Policy and Social Innovations for the Changing Arctic

Climate change is transforming the Arctic region. The region is warming at least twice as fast as the global average, and as the ice retreats on the top of our planet, it is unleashing challenges with local, regional, and global implications across multiple policy domains, including environment, economic development, security, culture, and human rights. Impacts are disproportionately affecting indigenous communities that have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years. Through the lens of the rapidly changing Arctic region, this module will give students an overarching understanding of these local and global challenges, as well as tools and experience in developing their own policy and social innovations to address complex issues in a sustainable way. It will also provide students with skills to communicate new policy ideas effectively to a global audience. A part of the learning experience takes place in collaboration with students from the Arctic and with experts in the field acting as mentors. The course includes an Arctic Innovation Lab where students pitch their ideas to leaders in the field. Selected students will have the opportunity to publish their work in collaboration with a leading Arctic news outlet. While the course has an Arctic focus, the tools employed and the experience of engaging with senior policymakers will build skills relevant to addressing complex policy challenges globally. Class Notes: Please note: This course will begin on Friday, January 5 from 9am-5pm and will also meet Monday-Friday, January 8-12 from 9am-5pm.