The Troubling Geopolitics of a Melting Arctic

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, which comes with both opportunities and risks. Climate change is opening up new shipping routes and increasing access to fossil fuel reserves, while also threatening ecosystems and fueling geopolitical tensions. Are we approaching the end of the polar peace zone? Earlier this month, the Arctic Council met in Finland to frame a collaborative agenda on economic development and environmental protection. But for the first time since the Council’s inception, participants failed to sign a joint declaration after the U.S. refused to accept language on climate change — sparking fury and confusion. In this episode, we speak with Retired Rear Admiral David Titley (9:45), meteorology professor at Penn State University, about the consequences of a warming Arctic. We also talk to Malte Humpert (28:35), founder of The Arctic Institute, about the significance of the Pompeo’s statements and takeaways from the latest Arctic Council summit. Plus, we discuss if there’s any chance of seeing climate policy pass in an infrastructure bill and co-host Brandon Hurlbut celebrates his first semi-viral tweet. As always, Political Climate ends with our segment called “Say Something Nice,” where our Democrat and Republican co-hosts have to say something redeeming about the opposing political party (43:00). Tweet us your feedback on this episode @Poli_Climate! Recommended Reading: Reuters: US sinks Arctic accord due to climate change differences The Atlantic: The Next ‘South China Sea’ Is Covered In Ice The Inquirer: Our transportation plan will improve infrastructure and tackle climate change The Hill: Markey releases infrastructure suggestions that align with Green New Deal goals Brandon Hurlbut goes viral Political Climate is produced in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Subscribe to the Political Climate podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay and Overcast.