Economy, society and governance in the Arctic: Overview of ArCS research project in the field of humanities and social sciences (2015–2020)

• Published in: Polar science 2021-03, Vol.27, p.100600, Article 100600
• Main Authors: Tabata, S., Otsuka, N., Goto, M., Takahashi, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arctic governance; Indigenous knowledge; Northern sea route; Resource development
• ISSN: 1873-9652; 1876-4428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polar.2020.100600

This paper summarizes the achievements of one of the themes in the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS) project. Consisting mainly of researchers of human and social sciences, the theme was designed to connect the achievements of other themes to stakeholders and policymakers. According to our research method, this paper proceeds the discussion in three research areas. First, economic development in the Arctic will be analyzed. While climate warming has escalated in the Arctic, the possibility of using the Northern Sea Route and of developing underground resources is expanding. The sustainability of this development will be investigated to identify the future prospects of economic activity. Second, interaction between humans and the environment will be considered. Based on the information collected through fieldwork in East Siberia, interior Alaska, and Greenland, it will be illustrated how human and natural factors in environmental change are intricately interwoven. Third, various issues concerning Arctic governance will be discussed. Several points such as Arctic legal policy, international relations, and the involvement of indigenous people in resource governance will be key issues of the discussion. After showing these achievements of the project, future challenges of Arctic study will be indicated.