Discussion paper on Climate Change Activity in the Arctic Council

Abstract

Climate change has been part of the Arctic Council’s program of work for many years. In keeping with the overall aim of the Council, we have aimed to complement other efforts as well as focus on climate issues not addressed by other bodies, especially where an Arctic perspective was useful. Coming out of Paris, where 192 countries adopted an historic global climate agreement and set national emission reduction targets, the U.S. chairmanship is of the view that it is time for the Council to take stock of its climate-related work and explore whether new opportunities exist for the Council to increase ambition, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplicating efforts.