Commentary (November 2011) by Erica Dingman, Research Associate, World Policy Institute, New York City
Acquisition of Arctic hydrocarbon deposits is a strategic priority of Arctic States and numerous Non-Arctic States alike stimulated by the global thirst of energy. Concurrently the European Union and Inuit Circumpolar Council have aggressively implemented strategies that seek to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. This nexus of hydrocarbon extraction and climate change dominate the Arctic debate, yet the economic benefits attributed to extraction could undermine environmental policy
