Explore issues in the Arctic

The Arctic matters to the rest of the planet - as the driver of many of the world's climate and ocean systems, as the homeland of Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, and as the site of some of the world's largest remaining intact ecosystems.

At the same time, it is a place of rapid change. Ecosystems face increasing pressure from the combined effects of climate change, transboundary pollutants and increasing industrial development. Human societies across the Arctic are trying to respond to these changes in many ways.

The following pages provide further information and resources on selected environmental issues affecting the Arctic.