Arctic Studies

Anandkumar Patel, Bhavy Patel, Harmanjeet Singh, Ritvik Mehta

Communications Department, Lambton College

COM3013- Professional Communications

Olga Shchetyna

October 1, 2023
 Arctic Studies

Arctic studies refer to the multidisciplinary field that focuses on understanding

and exploring the unique characteristics, ecosystems, and challenges of the Arctic region. It

encompasses various subjects like climate change, environmental science, indigenous

cultures, resource management, and geopolitics. With its vast geographic extent covering

eight countries including Canada. The Arctic is made up of the Arctic Ocean basin,

Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska in the United States, Canada, and Greenland. The Arctic plays a

critical role in global climate regulation and holds immense economic potential.

Canada's Arctic region covers around 40% of the country's landmass and is home to

several indigenous communities. It consists of three territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories,

and Nunavut. Canada has a deep historical connection with the Arctic through exploration,

trade routes, resource extraction, and scientific research.

This report aims to analyse the impact of Arctic studies on Canada by examining

its significance in various aspects such as environmental protection, indigenous rights and

cultural preservation, economic development, scientific advancements, and geopolitical

relationships.

Thesis Statement: Through comprehensive research on diverse fields related to the

Arctic region, this report will demonstrate how studying the Arctic influences Canada's

policies towards sustainable development while considering ecological preservation and

respecting indigenous communities' rights.

Intended List of Main Points:

1) Environmental Protection: Explore how Arctic studies contribute to understanding climate

change impacts in Canada and worldwide.

2) Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation: Discuss efforts made through Arctic studies

to empower indigenous communities and preserve their culture.

3) Economic Development: Examine how Arctic studies influence opportunities for resource

extraction, tourism, shipping routes, and renewable energy in Canada.

4) Scientific Advancements: Highlight significant discoveries made through Arctic research

that advance scientific knowledge in various disciplines.

5) Geopolitical Relationships: Analyse how studying the Arctic shapes Canada's international

relations concerning territorial claims, strategic interests, and collaboration among nations.

Canada. (n.d.). Arctic Council. https://arctic-council.org/about/states/canada/

1. Background information

The Arctic region consists of eight countries – Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland,

Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska). It is known for its

unique environmental conditions and the indigenous people who inhabit the area

(Arctic Centre, n.d.). This vast area of land and water has played a crucial role in

shaping global climatic patterns and is a hub for valuable resources like oil and gas

reserves (Regions of Canada n.d.; National Geographic Society, n.d.).

2. Specific issue

The report will focus on analyzing the impact of climate change on the Arctic region and its

implications on various aspects such as geopolitics, economies, natural resources

exploration, and indigenous communities. The thesis statement for this report is:

"Climate change in the Arctic region has far-reaching consequences that affect its

environment, geopolitical landscape, economies, and indigenous communities."

The main points covered in this report include:

a. The current state of climate change in the Arctic

b. Consequences for natural resources and exploration

c. Impact on geopolitics and international relations

d. Effects on regional economies

e. Implications for indigenous communities

References:

Arctic Centre. (n.d.). About the Arctic Region. Retrieved from

https://www.arcticcentre.org/EN/arcticregion

Regions of Canada. (n.d.). The Canadian Arctic: An Environmental Wonderland? Retrieved

from https://regionsofcan.weebly.com/arctic.html

National Geographic Society. (n.d.) Encyclopedic Entry: Arctic. Retrieved from

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/arctic/