How does one advocate for one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth? In this episode of This Way Up, we bring together three voices with unique perspectives on Arctic advocacy:
Sara Olsvig, International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, on why Indigenous Knowledge and human rights must be at the core of Arctic policy.
Petteri Vuorimäki, Finland’s former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, on bridging global understanding of the circumpolar region and finding balance between competing interests.
Heïdi Sevestre, glaciologist and science communicator at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat, on translating urgent climate science into human stories that inspire change.
Together, they discuss why the Arctic matters far beyond its borders, what gaps remain in global advocacy efforts and how Indigenous Knowledge, science and diplomacy can come together to help the region thrive. From environmental change and critical energy transition minerals to human rights and geoengineering, their conversation highlights the complexity of the Arctic, and why listening, humility and cooperation are essential for its future. Tune in to hear how you, too, can advocate for the Arctic.
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Welcome to This Way Up
Welcome to This Way Up, the new Arctic Council podcast. In this introductory episode, hosts Jessica Cook and Rosa-Máren Magga set the stage for the season ahead. They share their own Arctic journeys, put Arctic Council representatives to the test with elevator-pitch challenges and answer questions from curious students about everything from Indigenous participation to navigating political tensions. With a mix of storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode introduces listeners to the people, priorities and spirit of cooperation that define the Arctic Council, and what you can expect in future episodes of This Way Up.
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The Arctic on Fire
The Arctic isn’t just warming, it’s on fire. From the record-shattering 2023 wildfire season in Canada to the zombie fires smoldering beneath the boreal forests, Arctic wildfires are reshaping landscapes, threatening communities and accelerating global climate change. In this episode, learn about the changing fire regime and how Arctic wildfires impact everyone across the globe from Edward Alexander of Gwich’in Council International and Sue Natali and Brendan Rogers of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. Hear from Edward Alexander, Chief Bill Erasmus of Arctic Athabaskan Council and Vladimir Klimov of RAIPON, who share both the devastating impact wildfires have had on their communities, as well as the beneficial uses of fire practiced by their ancestors until colonization put a stop to Indigenous cultural burning. Finally, explore how restoring Indigenous fire practices and integrating knowledge systems could be part of the solution to improving wildfire management, promoting healthier ecosystems, revitalizing culture and building resilience. Show notes: https://arctic-council.org/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcticcouncil/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcticcouncilX: https://x.com/ArcticCouncil
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This Way Up trailer
This Way Up is the Arctic Council podcast that introduces you to the people and stories shaping a changing Arctic. Each episode explores an important topic in the Arctic through storytelling, where guests share their own unique experiences and ideas. But you won’t just learn about the issues, you will hear personal stories from across the circumpolar Arctic that showcase what makes the region and its Peoples so unique and inspiring. Whether you live in the Arctic, are familiar with the region or just curious, each episode opens your eyes to new perspectives on key Arctic issues, and perhaps even inspires you to take action. First episode comes out on Monday June 30.
This Way Up is hosted by Jessica Cook of the Arctic Council Secretariat and Rosa-Máren Magga of the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat. Original music by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission. Sound design by Både Og. The views expressed in this episode do not reflect those of the Arctic States and Permanent Participants. Learn more about the Arctic Council arctic-council.org
This Way Up is the Arctic Council podcast that introduces you to the people and stories shaping a changing Arctic. Each episode explores an important topic in the Arctic through storytelling, where guests share their own unique experiences and ideas. But you won’t just learn about the issues, you will hear personal stories from across the circumpolar Arctic that showcase what makes the region and its Peoples so unique and inspiring. Whether you live in the Arctic, are familiar with the region or just curious, each episode opens your eyes to new perspectives on key Arctic issues, and perhaps even inspires you to take action. New episodes will be available in Fall 2025.
This Way Up is hosted by Jessica Cook of the Arctic Council Secretariat and Rosa-Máren Magga of the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat. Original music by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission. Sound design by Både Og. The views expressed in this episode do not reflect those of the Arctic States and Permanent Participants. Learn more about the Arctic Council here.
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