Explore This Program

View all programs

Energy and Environment Program

What's New

Commissioner Lloyd Axworthy Calls On Federal Leaders To Focus On The Arctic
At an event on April 14 in Toronto, Canada, to discuss the groundbreaking work of the Aspen Institute Commission on Arctic Climate Change, Commissioner Axworthy proclaimed that the Commission's report and recommendations offers a road map for Canada and all Arctic nations to move forward. It promotes an important new perspective on the level of international cooperation and stewardship that will be necessary to manage the Arctic marine environment in anticipation of the climate change impacts the region now faces.  For more press coverage on the event go here.

Report Lauch
The Aspen Institute Commission on Arctic Climate Change launched its Report and Recommendations on March 16, 2011, at a special invitation only event in Washington, DC. NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco provided the keynote with a simultaneous release of NOAA's Arctic Vision and Strategy.  Commissioners Sylvia Earle and Sven Lindblad, Commission working group delegates, and Terry Garcia from the National Geographic provided an overview of the report, its implications and the challenges facing the Arctic.  For more press coverage on the event and Administrator Lubchenco's keynote, go here and here.

Arctic Futures Symposium
In conjunction with the International Polar Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Aspen Institute hosted an Arctic Futures Symposium in Brussels on the 14th and 15th of October 2010.  For more information on the symposium, results and papers presented, go here.

HSH Prince Albert II To Address Copenhagen Leaders; Sounding Urgent Call To Work Together at COP 15 on Safeguarding Arctic Ice
On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, during the United Nations 15th Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco addressed leaders in Copenhagen with an urgent message on the planetary importance of safeguarding the Arctic ice from further melting.

Smithsonian Workshop on Arctic Governance
On December 3, 2009, the Aspen Institute and Bren School, University of California, Santa Barbara, hosted a workshop on Arctic governance, drawing lessons form the Antarctic experience. Approximately 40 participants provided insights from experience with Antarctic governance over the last 50 years as part of the Antarctic Treaty Summit at the Smithsonian.  For a preliminary version of the Workshop report, go here.

At the United Nations Headquarters on September 22, 2009, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco called on the international community to set stronger targets for curbing global warming pollution worldwide and take action to address new industrial threats that are emerging in a melting Arctic environment.

Save the ArcticBig Ship
World leaders must take bold, courageous action in Copenhagen and agree to halt the spiral of damage from climate change
By former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Canada's former Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy
Ottawa Citizen
May 7, 2009

How Does a Warming Arctic Affect a Global Climate?

During a panel focusing on the changing Arctic at the 2009 Aspen Environment Forum in Aspen, Colorado, Susan Joy Hassol, director of Climate Communication, explains the effects of a warming Arctic on the global climate.
March 28, 2009