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Arctic Governance
A new Arctic needs new rules. As climate change causes the Arctic's ice to melt and new areas to open up, the region is facing unprecedented changes and serious threats.
FEATURED
Open letter to the IMO on speed reduction
Speed controls on ships, determined and implemented by the IMO, would have multiple benefits.
Read moreWhy it matters
The ecosystems of the Arctic transcend political boundaries, making collaboration among Arctic states essential. The need to work together is intensified by the sparse population and limited resources of the region.
Who plays a role in the future of the Arctic?
The 8 Arctic nations
Iceland, the Kingdom of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada and the United States form the core of the Arctic Council, an international governing body for the region.
Arctic peoples
Over 4 million people live in the Arctic, and their livelihoods are directly tied to its future.
Non-Arctic nations
Countries like Singapore, China and the UK have an interest in Arctic routes and resources, and Arctic warming may impact weather and sea levels around the world.
Industry
Shipping, oil and gas, and companies are drawn to the Arctic by the tremendous economic opportunities unveiled by melting ice. Meanwhile, the companies that insure such projects are taking stock of the risks of working in icy waters.
Civil society
WWF and other organizations are working to ensure that increased development is managed responsibly, for the benefit of people, wildlife and habitats.
Our solutions
Effective and accountable governance
It's urgent that we get Arctic high seas governance right now - in advance of change and exploitation from within and outside the region.Global Warming Images / WWF
Holding the Arctic Council to a high standard
WWF is an observer within the Arctic Council, the primary forum for Arctic issues that cannot be managed by any single country. We’re pushing the Council to implement its decisions and to create a long-term strategic plan.Arctic Council
How we work
Publications
The Circle 04.18
1 October 2018
The Circle 01.18
1 May 2018
The Circle 03.17
1 February 2018
Polar Bear CAP Scorecard
30 January 2018
The Circle 01.17
25 April 2017
Natural marine World Heritage in the Arctic Ocean
4 April 2017Meet the team
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Recommended reading
Wildlife
Millenia of evolution have prepared Arctic species like the polar bear, walrus and narwhal for life on and around the sea ice. Now their habitat is radically shifting in a matter of decades.
The WWF Arctic Programme
Meet the team.