Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland, #ArcticCircle2017

Summary

The speaker, addressing the Arctic Circle assembly, emphasizes the urgency of international cooperation on climate change, highlighting Iceland's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The script discusses the visible impacts of climate change in Iceland, including glacier retreat and the potential for significant societal and environmental changes in the Arctic region. It underscores the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, the role of the Arctic Council in fostering cooperation, and Iceland's upcoming chairmanship from 2019 to 2021. The speaker calls for a continued focus on sustainability, respect for international law, and the preservation of the Arctic's delicate ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Arctic Circle Assembly is an annual gathering that brings together global delegations to discuss Arctic issues.
• 🙌 Iceland's former president, Ragnar Grimsson, is recognized for founding and leading the Arctic Circle, which has been active since 2013.
• 🔍 Climate change is highlighted as a borderless challenge that necessitates international cooperation for effective solutions.
• 🏆 Iceland is committed to the Paris Agreement and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, alongside 30 other European countries.
• 💡 Iceland already utilizes fully renewable energy for heating and electricity, and seeks opportunities to further reduce emissions through cleaner transportation and carbon capture.
• 🛶 The melting of Arctic ice could significantly impact the global climate system, affecting sea levels and weather patterns.
• 🚢 Increased accessibility to the Arctic region due to melting ice raises concerns about pollution and the need for enhanced search and rescue capabilities.
• 🤝 The Arctic Council is emphasized as the key forum for cooperation on Arctic issues, with Iceland set to chair the council from 2019 to 2021.
• 📋 Iceland's Arctic policy, agreed upon in 2011, focuses on sustainability, environmental protection, and respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• 🕊️ The Arctic should remain a region of peace, stability, and cooperation, with an emphasis on security, safety infrastructure, and engagement with indigenous peoples.
• 🌱 The speaker calls for a 'we can do' attitude to balance the challenges and opportunities in the Arctic, with a focus on preserving its environment and ecosystems.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the Arctic Circle assembly?

The primary purpose of the Arctic Circle assembly is to provide a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas on issues pertaining to the Arctic region, with a focus on climate change, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

How does Iceland's commitment to the Paris Agreement reflect its stance on climate change?

Iceland's commitment to the Paris Agreement is demonstrated by its ambition to participate in a collective effort with 30 European countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, showcasing its high ambitions and active role in tackling climate change.

What are some of the opportunities and challenges that Iceland sees in using electricity and cleaner fuels for transportation?

Opportunities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. Challenges may involve the infrastructure required for widespread adoption of electric vehicles and ships, as well as the transition costs associated with these cleaner technologies.

How does Iceland plan to utilize its natural resources while protecting the environment?

Iceland plans to use its natural resources, such as geothermal energy, for sustainable economic development while emphasizing the protection of its environment and the sustainable use of these resources, including capturing CO2 emissions and turning them into minerals.

What is the significance of the Arctic Council's search-and-rescue agreement?

The search-and-rescue agreement is significant as it ensures safety in the Arctic region, which is becoming more accessible and faces increased risks of pollution incidents due to growing traffic.

What is Iceland's role in the Arctic Council from 2019 to 2021?

Iceland will chair the Arctic Council from 2019 to 2021, leading this important forum in a cooperative and forward-looking fashion, following Finland's chairmanship.

What are the key policy priorities identified by Iceland regarding the Arctic?

Iceland's key policy priorities regarding the Arctic include the protection of the region's vulnerable environment, sustainable economic development, utilization of natural resources, security and safety infrastructure, and cooperation with all stakeholders, including indigenous people.

How does the speaker describe the Arctic region's current and future state in relation to climate change?

The speaker describes the Arctic as already visibly changing due to climate change, with glaciers retreating and the potential for ice in Iceland to largely disappear in 100 years if action is not taken. The future could see profound changes to societies in the high north, affecting the economy, society, culture, environment, and security.

What is the importance of striking a balance between the development and protection of the Arctic?

Striking a balance is crucial to ensure that the natural resources are utilized for the benefit of the region's inhabitants without jeopardizing the environment and its sensitive ecosystem. This balance is complex but necessary for sustainable development and the preservation of the Arctic.

What does the speaker mean by 'giving nature the benefit of the doubt' in decision-making?

The phrase implies that decisions should prioritize the well-being and preservation of the natural environment, especially in the delicate Arctic ecosystem, even when faced with economic or development pressures.

How does the speaker envision the role of the Arctic Council in the future?

The speaker envisions the Arctic Council as a key forum for discussion and decision-making on Arctic issues, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation among member countries and stakeholders for the benefit of the Arctic and its inhabitants.