These utmost Arctic weather conditions that we are experiencing at the moment raised a couple of thoughts about the Arctic.

The Arctic is becoming an integrated part of the global economy. Many positive visions regarding the economic prospects of Arctic resources and sea routes are linked to this globalization. In addition to the coastal states, the economic security and welfare of the local populations and indigenous peoples are expected to benefit. At the same time, attention towards the Arctic raises concern over the sustainability and ethics of Arctic energy exploration and its linkages to exacerbating climate change.

The ambassador of Finland to Norway Erik Lundberg wrote about the Norwegian interest for the Arctic, and the call for Finnish know-how (in Finnish, see Pulloposti 3/2016). True, as Finland possesses one of the northernmost areas in the world with a permanent population, there no doubt is different kind of expertise regarding life in northern conditions. Northern know-how is very much needed now that the Arctic ‘hype’ is here and everyone wants to have its piece of the ‘Arctic cake’. For us, this know-how perhaps does not appear as anything exotic, but as part of our everyday practice. The needed know-how is not only technical or economic in character – also know-how on e.g. the political, social and cultural conditions of life in the northern areas is very much needed. In this context, we can take advantage of our good experience from regional cooperation within the Baltic Sea region rather than reinvent the wheel. By being an expert on the Baltic Sea region, you’re halfway to becoming an expert on the Arctic, too.

P.S. Freezing over? Check the tips on how to survive winter in Finland and enjoy it!