Arctic Security in the Age of Green Transition

Thur., Apr. 25, 2024 | 12:00 – 1:00pm EDT

Online [Register here]

Sponsor: Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world’s regions, changing both the geological and geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region. Meanwhile, China and Russia are enhancing their cooperation in the Arctic, particularly through China’s investments in Russia’s rich natural resources – coal, liquified natural gas (LNG) and oil – as well as in shipping and port infrastructure. The two countries are also enhancing their relationship in other areas, adding to the shifting geopolitics of the region. Coupled with the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, questions arise of the implications the two states’ cooperation has on the security of the eight Arctic states. Panelists will explore this changed geopolitical landscape, as well as the implications foreseen for the green transition in the region.

Speakers:

  • Guðbjörg Ríkey Th. Hauksdóttir – Predoctoral Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative
  • Margaret Williams – Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative
  • Alexandra Vacroux – Executive Director, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University
  • Henry Lee – Faculty Co-Director, Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative (moderator)

This event is free and open to everyone, but registration is required. For questions, please contact Elizabeth Hanlon (ehanlon@hks.harvard.edu).

 

Promoting Waste Management for Sustainable Arctic Cities

Fri., Apr. 26, 2024 | 12:00 – 1:00pm EDT

Online [Register here]

Arctic cities face uniquely challenging conditions for solid waste management, including harsh weather, geographic remoteness, limited infrastructure, and a rapidly changing climate. Arctic residents produce twice as much garbage annually than the global per capita average, with lower rates of waste collection and recycling than the rest of the world.

Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative, together with the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, is hosting a webinar to explore how Arctic cities are implementing innovative approaches, including circular economy strategies, to address pollution and create cleaner, more sustainable places to live.

In this webinar, a panel of researchers and practitioners will discuss:

  • The unique waste management challenges faced by Arctic cities.
  • The serious health and environmental consequences of improper waste disposal.
  • Real-world best practices for improving waste management.

Speakers:

  • Ernst Kloosterman – Lead, Tromsø Municipality's Unit for Climate, Environment, and Agriculture
  • Mark Spafford, Alaska Water Group Leader, Jacobs Engineering Group
  • Nivi Strunz, Managing Director, Kommune Qeqertalik, Greenland
  • Jukka Teräs, Senior Researcher, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre
  • Nadezhda Filimonova, Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative

This event is free and open to everyone, but registration is required. For questions or to request accessibility accommodations, contact Elizabeth Hanlon (ehanlon@hks.harvard.edu).