Climate change, resource scarcity and human security in the Arctic
Saturday 14-18 (classroom 13)
The race to exploit the arctic has begun, but what are its consequences? This discussion held at Finnish Social Forum will offer a diverse look at topical environmental, economical, and political questions involving the Arctic. The discussion will feature the Finnish Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Hannu Halinen, among others.
We bid you welcome to a seminar titled Climate Change, Resource Scarcity and Human Security in the Arctic Area on April 20th, 2013, starting at 2pm and closing at 6pm. The seminar will be held in English as a part of Finnish Social Forum at Arbis, the Swedish Adult Education Centre, Dagmarinkatu 3, Helsinki.
The Arctic has been a topical point of discussion as of late. Melting ice in the Arctic Sea has led to speculation by various parties regarding exploitation of a new trading route caused by climate change. The mining industry regards Fennoscandia as one of the most interesting areas today, and Finland, too, has lately been vigorously discussing the effects of mining. Russian energy and security policy is closely linked to the future of the Arctic, and many states, including China and India, are interested in becoming observer members of the Arctic Council.
Global resource scarcity has increased the strain on increasingly fragile environments, and the global North and South share the same questions pertaining to social justice about this. However, this central point of view has mostly been ignored.
The Finnish UN Association intends Climate Change, Resource Scarcity and Human Security in the Arctic Area to diversify dialogue by inviting every interested party to acquaint themselves with questions involving the Arctic, and to ponder how Finland should align itself in Arctic questions. A message will be compiled of the event and sent to the Ministerial Meeting of the Swedish Chairmanship of the Arctic Council held in Kiruna on May 15th.
Programme (Classroom 12):
14.00-14.10 Welcoming words Ms. Jenni Kauppila, Coordinator, UN Association of Finland.
14.10-14.40 Introduction to resource scarcity and its implications to social justice Ph.D., researcher, author Ville Lähde, University of Tampere
14.40-15.10 Interlinkages of energy and security politics in the Arctic Professor Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, Aleksanteri-instituutti, Helsinki University
15.10-15.40 Politics of the Arctic Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Hannu Halinen
15.40-16.00 Discussion
16.00-16.30 Break
16.30-17.10 Arctic resource politics and the Sámi people Ms. Pauliina Feodoroff, Director, Sámi activist and former Chairperson of the Sámi Council. (via Skype)
17.10-17.50 Traditional knowledge in the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment Report Technical Research Centre of Finland, researcher Tero Mustonen, University of Eastern Finland/ Snowchange Cooperative.
17.50-18.00 Discussion
A workshop for those interested in global advocacy work will be held the following day, on Sunday April 21st, from 11am to 3pm.
Organizers: Suomen YK-liitto, www.globalplatform.fi
