Science, climate, politics and Europe were the overarching themes of the Arctic Circle Berlin Forum entitled ‘The Arctic at Crossroads’. The conference was organised by the Arctic Circle in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Arctic PASSION partner Alfred Wegener Institute at the Radialsystem in Berlin on 7-8 May 2024. 

Arctic Circle Berlin Forum. (© bundesfoto/Bernd Lammel)

Over the course of two days, 300 guests attended various panel discussions and plenary sessions and actively participated in conversations on current developments in the Arctic. Representatives from science, politics, business and the Europe’s indigenous communities actively exchanged views on how the Arctic is developing and could develop in the future.

Key issues such as climate change, biodiversity, permafrost and the role of science diplomacy in the Arctic were at the forefront of discussions, as well as the limited access to data and infrastructure that has resulted from the suspension of cooperation with Russia. Arctic PASSION colleagues joined this conference to present topics of permafrost, a more useful & equitable observing system and international cooperation in regards to ICARP IV and the upcoming International Polar Year 2032-33.

Left: Gosia Smieszek-Rice (Women of the Arctic) moderatet the session on "climate, air quality, and health in the Arctic". Right: Arctic PASSION colleague Volker Rachold (AWI) moderated the session on "International Research in the Arctic amidst global tensions" at the Arctic Circle Forum in Berlin (© bundesfoto/Bernd Lammel)

In addition to the Chairman of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, state representatives such as the German Federal Minister for Education and Research H.E. Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the German Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection H.E. Steffi Lemke, the Political Director at the German Federal Foreign Office Tjorven Bellmann, the Icelandic Minister of Higher Education, Industry and Innovation H.E. Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir and H.S.H Prince Albert II. of Monaco attended the conference. Their key note speeches provided important insights into the politics that will take part in shaping the future of the Arctic.

There was also a focus on contributions from European and Asian non-Arctic states, that were present at the Forum to provide insights into recent research results and interests, and to emphasize the international relevance of Arctic research.

From Left: Arctic PASSION colleague Guido Grosse (AWI) moderated the session "Rapidly thawing Arctic permafrost - risks and opportunities". Right:  Arctic PASSION colleagues Michael Karcher and Charlotte Gehrke (AWI) spoke on the "Local actors in environmental governance?" event at Arctic Circle Forum in Berlin. (© bundesfoto/Bernd Lammel)