Discourse analysis of the 2013–2016 Arctic Circle Assembly programmes

• Published in: Polar Record
• Main Authors: Johannsdottir, Lara, Cook, David
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2017
• Subjects: Arctic; Climate change; Polar Record; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247417000109; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247417000109

ABSTRACT The Arctic Circle Assembly has established itself as a forum for stakeholders from all around the globe to discuss Arctic affairs. This includes discussion about the future of the Arctic, impacts of climate change on local inhabitants and indigenous peoples, the natural environment and wildlife, geopolitical issues, international treaties, research projects, business-related risks and opportunities, etc. At this international conference, the interests of stakeholders vary greatly. Some want to reap the economic and strategic benefits of melting glacial and sea ice, while others want to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. It is therefore important to analyse the conference discourse in order to understand the main emphases of stakeholders, and if some express their views more loudly than others. Through greater weight of voice in the Assembly and beyond, some stakeholders have more impact on the development of a region that is of economic, geopolitical and environmental importance, not only for the northern hemisphere but globally.