Energy and Environment Program

Aspen Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change

Recognizing that the circumpolar Arctic region is experiencing significant ecological change due to global climate change, the Aspen Institute convened a civil society Dialogue and Commission to consider the implications of this impending transformation for the region's inhabitants and resources.  The Aspen Institute is now pleased to release the final report and recommendations of Commission, entitled "The Shared Future: A Report of the Aspen Institute Commission on Arctic Climate Change."

Download the Full Report (Released 1/26/11)
Commissioner Statements
Forward by President Jimmy Carter
Members of the Commission
Commission Vision Statement
Commission Principles of Arctic Governance
Commission Recommendations

Part 1 of the Report – Commission recommendations and analysis
Part 2 of the Report – Marine Spatial Planning in the Arctic

Handout - Preface, Governance Principles & Recommendations

Report Press Release (English and French)

Video from the March 16, 2011, Aspen Institute Arctic Commission Roundtable
featuring opening remarks by NOAA Administrator Lubchenco and discussion with
Aspen Commissioners and Working Group delegates

Other Resources:

Video overview of the Commission on Arctic Climate Change

Blog posting by Commissioner Frances Beinecke

This report features a very special foreword by President Jimmy Carter and presents the Commission’s recommendations, foremost of which is that governance in the Arctic marine environment should be sustained and strengthened by a new conservation and sustainable development plan based on using an ecosystem-based management approach.
 
The Commission believes marine spatial planning provides a workable method to begin implementation of ecosystem-based management. Governance of the Arctic can and should be strengthened through an inclusive and cooperative international approach that allows greater participation in information gathering and sharing, and decision-making, leading to better information policy choices and outcomes.

This report is issued under the auspices of the Aspen Institute and the members of the Aspen Institute Commission on Arctic Climate Change, with generous support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

 The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was created by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince in June 2006 and is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development on a global scale.  The Foundation’s efforts focus on three main areas: Climate Change and renewable energies, Biodiversity, Water and desertification.  The Foundation gives its support to projects in three main geographical zones: the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions, and the least developed countries. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation supports initiatives by public and private organizations, in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices.

Contact Us:
To learn more about the Aspen Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change, contact Francesca Cava, Project Manager, at francesca.cava@aspeninstitute.org.