Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region Address to the Arctic Council

The Arctic is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, and everything is happening at a greater speed than anyone dared to predict a few years ago. The sea ice in the Arctic is melting faster than estimated. The marine activity in Arctic waters is increasing dramatically and the tankers and the cruise ships have entered the Arctic. The harvesting of the rich natural resources in the Arctic will continue to develop. I’m honored to represent the Arctic parliamentarians at this important meeting at a defining moment for the region. The interest in Arctic issues in our own countries has never been higher. The business community, the media, politicians and organizations are all looking north. The international community is looking to the Arctic as a global barometer for climate change. The polar bear and the Arctic indigenous peoples have given climate change a face. Ministers, we are about to enter the time of the Arctic