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Energy and Environment Program

FAQs on the Aspen Institute Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change

OVERVIEW
Recognizing that the circumpolar Arctic region is experiencing significant ecological change due to global warming, the Aspen Institute, in partner­ship with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation*, has con­vened an international civil society Dialogue and Com­mission to consider the social, environmental, eco­nomic, and legal implications for the region’s inhabitants and re­sources. The Dialogue and Commission will assess the adequacy of current institutional arrangements and international policies to effectively and sustainably manage new levels of commercial and economic activity in the region.

PURPOSE
The Aspen Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change will:

  • Examine the implications of climate change for the Arctic region’s peoples and resources, and the related impacts on the global community.
  • Assess the adequacy of current multilateral arrangements, as well as the most current scientific understanding of Arctic systems, in support of a goal to affirmatively and sustainably manage social, environmental and economic impacts in the region related to climate change.
  • Make recommendations for greater international cooperation in regulating human activities that affect the Arctic environment.
  • Issue provisional findings following the working sessions and publish a full report containing the Commission’s conclusions and recommendations.

The Commission will be sharing its findings at international gatherings and with key government officials throughout its tenure.

1) How does the Aspen Institute Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change accomplish its work?

The work of the Commission is structured in accordance with Aspen's time-honored approach to convening a civil society dialogue. The Aspen Institute's method of intentional, values-based dialogue is the principal way in which the Dialogue and Commission reaches its findings and recommendations. The Dialogue begins by identifying and exploring core values, thereby laying a basis for new thinking over the course of a two-year period, concluding in 2010.
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Over this time, a series of working meetings will be held around the world. Working meetings function as both venues for the Commission's rich dialogue and fact-finding missions, where Commissioners meet with policymakers, indigenous community leaders, business leaders, civic leaders, and statesmen.

2) How does the Aspen's Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change differ from existing councils, bodies, and organizations that focus on Arctic climate change issues?

The Aspen Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change is an independent project established and convened by the Aspen Institute's Energy and Environment Program, which determines the direction and purpose of the dialogue in consultation with the invited members. The Commission is not an official advisory council or committee to any government.
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The Aspen Institute's Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change can be differentiated from existing governmental or advocacy efforts in three ways:

1. The intentional values-based dialogue is meant to identify shared values that will deepen and broaden the public debate around the impending issues associated with Arctic climate change.
2. The Dialogue and Commission are specifically focused on exploring the relevant responsibilities of private industry and civil society in general, in addition to those of formal government bodies.
3. The Commission itself is composed of international thought leaders who can effectively carry and disseminate the Dialogue's findings and recommendations around the globe.

3) What are the shared values of the Dialogue and Commission?

The Aspen Commission on Arctic Climate Change has identified 10 initial Principles of Arctic Governance as forming the foundation and the standards by which future governance and sustainable management of human activities in the Arctic should be measured. Read the Dialogue and Commission's Principles of Arctic Governance.

4) Does the Dialogue and Commission have initial findings or recommendations to share regarding climate change impacts in the Arctic?

In July 2009, Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change issued to the international community a Statement on Arctic Climate Change. This statement, the Commission's first, will serve as the basis of the body's work moving forward.

Download the five fact sheets (PDFs) on the Aspen Institute Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change:

  1. Introduction: Climate Change at the Top of the World
  2. Changes to the Global Climate System
  3. Changes to the Arctic Environment
  4. Climate Change Effects on Arctic Ecosystems and Species
  5. People in a Changing Arctic