Warming in the Arctic is occurring at a rate four times faster than the global average, placing the region at the Forefront of what UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls "climate hell."

The urgency increases if Trump's administration withdraws the United States from the Paris Agreement. Scientists emphasize that the effort to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will largely depend on actions taken during the 2020s.

Science Diplomacy plays a crucial role in addressing global issues, and its importance has grown as the environmental crisis escalates. Universities are essential in this effort, as they produce scientific knowledge, provide education, and develop innovative solutions to tackle global challenges.

Dr. Melody Brown Burkins , Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies at Dartmouth College, discusses the concept of scientific diplomacy and how it shapes Arctic research and diplomacy. A panel discussion will examine academia's future roles and responsibilities as we navigate Wicked problems.

You are welcome to join this open seminar day! No prior registration is needed.

Time : Monday, 9 December 2024, from 9 am – 3 pm (UTC +2)

Location: University of Lapland, Lecture Room B127

Online Access to the event:  https://blogi.eoppimispalvelut.fi/ulapland/

9:15 Opening Remarks

Soili Nystén-Haarala, Vice-Rector of Research. 

9:30 Setting the Stage: What is Science Diplomacy & How Can it Best Serve the Arctic? 

Melody Brown Burkins, Director, Institute of Arctic Studies, Dartmouth College. UArctic Chair in Science Diplomacy and Inclusion.

11:00 - 12:15 Break

12:15 The Practice of Arctic Science Diplomacy in Shaping the Future of Arctic Research and Diplomacy

Melody Brown Burkins, Director, Institute of Arctic Studies, Dartmouth College. UArctic Chair in Science Diplomacy and Inclusion.

13:30 Panel Discussion: Are we on the Highway to Climate Hell? The Role(s) and Responsibilities of Academia

Moderator: Juho Kähkönen, Researcher, University of Lapland. 

Panelists: 

    • Johanna Ikäheimo, Board Member at The University of the Arctic (UArctic). 

    • Timo Koivurova, Research Professor, International Law, University of Lapland.

    • Rauna Kuokkanen, Research Professor, Arctic Indigenous Studies, University of Lapland.

    • Petteri Vuorimäki, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

14:30 Closing Remarks

Melody Brown Burkins, Director, Institute of Arctic Studies, Dartmouth College. UArctic Chair in Science Diplomacy and Inclusion.

Juho Kähkönen, Researcher, University of Lapland.