As the scent of geothermal sulphur lingers over Reykjavík, global leaders and experts gather at the Arctic Circle Assembly to confront a pressing question: Can multilateral cooperation survive rising geopolitical tensions to address the Arctic's climate crisis?
With nearly 70 countries represented, this year's assembly highlights Iceland's pioneering use of geothermal energy – heating 90% of its homes sustainably – as a model for green transitions. Yet discussions reveal deepening divides. The Arctic Council, comprising eight member states including Russia and the U.S., faces calls for reform after Western nations limited engagement with Moscow following the 2022 Ukraine conflict.
“We cannot ignore why we paused cooperation with Russia," stated Clarissa Duvigneau, Germany's Ambassador to Iceland, during a panel debate. Meanwhile, former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, chair of the Arctic Circle organization, warned CGTN that geopolitical rivalries threaten scientific collaboration: “We're close to a tipping point… During the Cold War, there was more Arctic science cooperation between the Soviet Union and the West than now.”
Key assembly themes include:
Restructuring Arctic governance frameworks
Protecting Indigenous communities' rights
Maintaining climate research amid U.S.-China tensions
As Denmark assumes the Arctic Council chairmanship, stakeholders emphasize that melting ice caps and rising sea levels demand urgent, unified action – regardless of political differences.
