U.S. plans to focus Arctic Council on dealing with the humanitarian and environmental effects of the warming Arctic when it assumes the chairmanship post in 2015

The United States is assuming the chair of the Arctic Council at a critical time. The Arctic Council has proven itself to be an effective and cooperative forum in which the eight Arctic States and Permanent Participants (organizations representing Arctic indigenous peoples) can come together to develop effective ways for managing this relatively pristine region of the world. We would like to continue strengthening the Arctic Council by moving it toward more practical, on-the-ground activities that will improve the environment and contribute to sustainable economic development for the people who live there.

The areas we are proposing to highlight during the U.S. Chairmanship are:

• Arctic Ocean Safety, Security, and Stewardship
• Improving Economic and Living Conditions
• Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change