Program on the Environment

As the Arctic changes at a rapid pace in both climate and developments, sustainability also became the unavoidable question that the region needed to consider. However, numerous research has highlighted the limited opportunities for Arctic Indigenous populations in communication, scientific research, and decision-making processes related to sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. Thus, this study aimed to explore the opportunities and challenges of applying the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the guidelines to the Arctic context. The SDGs were established by the United Nations in 2016 to promote “peace and prosperity for people and the planet”. With my internship experience hosting the podcast miniseries Aims on Ice – Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the Arctic Ocean with UW Bothell and Cascadia College, I conducted several interviews with experts from Arctic Studies, including professionals from the Arctic Council and Polar Bear International. These discussions provided inspirations in a variety of categories, including Arctic landscapes, biodiversity, natural resource management and digital revolution on social media. As a result, contradictions are oftentimes found among the SDGs, referring to goals such as Economic Growth and Clean Energy, Quality Education and Gender Equality, especially when concerning the connections with nature. The podcast and research both highlight the necessity of designing effective environmental systems and policies that address the convergences and divergences within and beyond the Arctic region. Recognizing the importance of localization of the SDGs enhanced regional and international collaboration toward a more sustainable and achievable plan.