Dear Deeply Readers,
Welcome to the archives of Arctic Deeply. While we paused regular publication of the site on September 15, 2017, and transitioned some of our coverage to Oceans Deeply, we are happy to serve as an ongoing public resource on the Arctic. We hope you’ll enjoy the reporting and analysis that was produced by our dedicated community of editors contributors.
We continue to produce events and special projects while we explore where the on-site journalism goes next. If you’d like to reach us with feedback or ideas for collaboration you can do so at [email protected].
Gain a deeper understanding of the Arctic environment, its people and its future.
The Arctic has become a symbol for climate and environmental change, but it also boasts strong relationships among nations, raises questions about sovereignty and jurisdiction, and faces resource expansion. This interactive timeline illustrates 35 years of environmental, political and economic change in the region.
How is the Arctic defined? Who lives there? And how do the eight nations with Arctic territory – and the indigenous peoples – work out a common plan for the sustainable development and protection of the region? Our overview delivers the basics on this resource-rich and environmentally sensitive area.
Despite media reports, the Arctic is not a Wild West of nations struggling over resources. Unlike the Antarctic, where a treaty calls for demilitarization and environmental protection as well as outlining jurisdiction, the Arctic is home to millions, and in many cases has clear boundaries in place.
Warmer temperatures, thawing permafrost and melting sea ice and glaciers are changing the Arctic environment. Climate change is already having an impact on Arctic land, water, plants and animals, and the people living there are enduring the effects. But changes in the Arctic will also have global consequences.
People have been living in the Arctic for thousands of years. Today, the Arctic is home to a diversity of cultures, including more than 30 different indigenous peoples who speak dozens of languages and are concerned about the impact of climate change on their regions.
An increasingly ice-free Arctic could lead to lucrative new business and development opportunities for Arctic nations – particularly in mining, oil and gas drilling, commercial fishing and tourism. What’s at stake? Is the necessary infrastructure in place?
We’ve handpicked some of the best reports for background reading to help you understand what’s at play in the Arctic.
Have a story idea? Interested in adding your voice to our growing community?
Learn more