The Arctic is now widely seen as an early warning system and observatory for climate change and has therefore received increased attention from other regions of the world. As global fossil fuel resources are depleted, nations and industries are turning towards the Arctic for new sources of these; paradoxically these non-renewable fossil fuel resources are contributing to a warming climate, the impacts of which are exacerbated in the Arctic.

This session considers the increased importance of global demands for development in the circumpolar Arctic with a focus on arctic peoples. Contributions are invited on past, present, and future human livelihoods in the Arctic. In a globalizing world the Arctic is no longer isolated; even the remotest settlements have access to global mobile communications and are impacted by global demands for resources. How have arctic peoples' perceptions of the world changed as a result of globalization and these demands? How has globalization influenced northern livelihoods? How has contact between the north and the south changed? Issues such as the impact of extractive industries, development-induced resettlement and displacement, environmental migration, the social and economic consequences of technological change, language transition, and reduction of religious diversity are all pressing in the Arctic, and have global implications, particularly for regions considered peripheral.

Presenters are encouraged to reflect upon the relevance of their research findings not only to arctic science and arctic peoples, but also to provide general insights on the global human condition within the context of thinking about North-South relations.

Abstract submission deadline: Monday, 20 December 2010.

To submit an abstract, please go to:

For further information, please contact the session conveners:
Maribeth Murray

SangHoon Lee

Florian Stammler