This Way Up

What can rally a community to come together and make a real difference in everyday life? That’s right, we’re talking about trash. Because in remote villages with no roads and limited infrastructure, managing waste is both a real challenge and an inspiration. This episode explores how two remote Arctic communities have turned waste management challenges into opportunities. From community-driven initiatives like turning plastic bottles into 3D printer filament in Nunavut to large-scale cleanups in Sámi communities in Russia, this episode features inspiring stories about how local leadership and community collaboration can make a real difference even when resources are limited. Whether you’re curious about sustainable solutions or just want to hear inspiring stories from the Arctic, tune in to hear how Arctic communities are proving that even trash can spark meaningful change.  Guests, in order of appearance: Michele LeBlanc Havard, Government of Nunavut Patrick Huber, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Julius Mihkkal Lindi, the Saami Council  We also would like to thank Shankell Mack of Aleut International Association. Her insights helped inform this episode.  The music in this episode is by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission. Sound design by Både Og Studios. This Way Up is produced by the Arctic Council Secretariat and Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat. The views expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of all Arctic States and Permanent Participants. 

How does one advocate for one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth? In this episode of This Way Up, we bring together three voices with unique perspectives on Arctic advocacy: Sara Olsvig, International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, on why Indigenous Knowledge and human rights must be at the core of Arctic policy. Petteri Vuorimäki, Finland’s former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, on bridging global understanding of the circumpolar region and finding balance between competing interests. Heïdi Sevestre, glaciologist and science communicator at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat, on translating urgent climate science into human stories that inspire change. Together, they discuss why the Arctic matters far beyond its borders, what gaps remain in global advocacy efforts and how Indigenous Knowledge, science and diplomacy can come together to help the region thrive. From environmental change and critical energy transition minerals to human rights and geoengineering, their conversation highlights the complexity of the Arctic, and why listening, humility and cooperation are essential for its future. Tune in to hear how you, too, can advocate for the Arctic.

The Arctic isn’t just warming, it’s on fire. From the record-shattering 2023 wildfire season in Canada to the zombie fires smoldering beneath the boreal forests, Arctic wildfires are reshaping landscapes, threatening communities and accelerating global climate change. In this episode, learn about the changing fire regime and how Arctic wildfires impact everyone across the globe from Edward Alexander of Gwich’in Council International and Sue Natali and Brendan Rogers of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. Hear from Edward Alexander, Chief Bill Erasmus of Arctic Athabaskan Council and Vladimir Klimov of RAIPON, who share both the devastating impact wildfires have had on their communities, as well as the beneficial uses of fire practiced by their ancestors until colonization put a stop to Indigenous cultural burning. Finally, explore how restoring Indigenous fire practices and integrating knowledge systems could be part of the solution to improving wildfire management, promoting healthier ecosystems, revitalizing culture and building resilience. Show notes: https://arctic-council.org/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcticcouncil/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcticcouncilX: https://x.com/ArcticCouncil