The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world due to climate change. As a result, the Northwest Passage is becoming accessible for trade, tourism and resource development. Sea ice loss has resulted in a tripling of Arctic shipping traffic in Canada over the past two decades.
Given these developments, it is vital that we understand the social, economic and geo-political implications of these changes. How can the impacts and opportunities of environmental and economic change in the Arctic be best balanced? Dr. Jackie Dawson, Canada Research Chair in Environment, Society, and Policy, considers this question daily. To answer it, she and her research team are focusing on three key issues: Arctic shipping and oceans governance, Arctic economic development, and coastal communities and climate change.
Understanding the implications of a rapidly changing Canadian Arctic means working in partnership with northern stakeholders, including communities, industry and government. Interdisciplinary research by Dawson and her team will generate knowledge that can position Canada as a leader in Arctic oceans governance in a changing climate.