Saturday Keynote Luncheon

The New Maritime Arctic: Global Connections

Lawson W. Brigham
distinguished professor of Geography and Arctic Policy
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
July 9, 2011 12:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m.

The Top of the World is undergoing extraordinary changes. The Arctic Ocean, the world's smallest ocean, is increasing in many areas not anticipated even a decade ago. A mix of globalization, climate change, and geopolitics is driving the global maritime industry use of this remote region. The complexity and range of issues makes the Arctic Ocean a challenge for public strategic planners and regulators in the Arctic, as well as planners in an array of global industries. Actions to protect Arctic peoples and the marine environment will require unprecedented regional and international cooperation among the Arctic states and such bodies as the International Maritime Organization.

Several notable and recent events during the past 40 years have captured the interests of the global media—for example, exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons off Greenland's west coast, experimental voyages across the Northern Sea Route in the Russian Arctic, groundings of a cruise ship and two tankers in the Canadian Arctic in summer 2010, and the signing of a boundary agreement in the Barents Sea by Russia and Norway. Each of these Arctic events has potential global implications for future maritime governance, natural resource development, and international trade.

Who should attend:Anyone with an interest in the future of the planet, especially in the Arctic and its development, and in climate change in the far north. Those interested in natural resources, global commodities and international trade, and economics, especially developers and commercial planners.

What you'll learn: Natural resource development is a main driver of use of Arctic waterways. However, there remain many regional and international governance issues to be addressed to enhance marine safety and environmental protection. Strategic thinking and planning will be essential for all Arctic development to sort out a large range of key drivers and uncertainties.

How this new knowledge can be applied: The Arctic can be added to the mix with other regions where natural resource development is emerging. The maritime Arctic is also a case study illustrating an interplay of global forces—climate change, globalization, and regional geopolitics—where modern scenarios thinking and futures tools can be applied to better under the uncertainties in a dynamic and changing place.

key words: Arctic futures, maritime industry, geopolitics

issue areas: Environment and Resources