The Arctic Futures Initiative: A Systems Analysis Perspective on the Plausible Futures of the Arctic

Organized by: The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) 5. September 2017

The Arctic is rapidly changing. Policy makers, governments, investors, environmental communities and indigenous communities need to reconcile continued economic development within the Arctic while safeguarding environmental and socio-cultural values and livelihoods.

Saturday, October 14, 11:20 - 12:20
Location: Skarðsheiði, Third Level

Phenomena that are studied independently often interact in overlooked ways, and these interactions call for a systemic holistic analysis and solutions that do not yet exist. The objective of this session on the Arctic Futures Initiative (AFI) is to 1) illustrate the holistic approach through two science highlights and presentation on stakeholder contribution; 2) obtain input through interactive discussion with the participants of the Arctic Circle Assembly as representatives of different communities including science, policy, business and civil society. The Initiative is coordinated by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), working in partnership with the Arctic Circle and others providing comprehensive analysis and synthesis for the Arctic nations and non-Arctic countries alike. 

Speaker:

  • Pavel Kabat, Director General and CEO of IIASA: Welcome
  • “Short-Lived Climate Forcers and the Arctic”
    • Kaarle Kupiainen, SYKE and IIASA
    • Zbigniew Klimont, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases (AIR) Program, IIASA
  • Markus Amann, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases (AIR) Program, IIASA
  • "Permafrost Thawing Strongly Reduces Allowable CO2 Emissions"
    • Thomas Gasser, Ecosystem Services and Management (ESM) Program, IIASA
    • Michael Obersteiner, Ecosystem Services and Management (ESM) Program, IIASA
  • Lassi Heininen, University of Lapland and IIASA: Stakeholders Contributions for Arctic Policy Shaping and Making
  • Timur Makhmutov, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC): East-Asian countries - AC observers - interests to cooperate in the Arctic*

Chair:

Anni Reissell, IIASA and University of Helsinki