The long term impacts of climate change are frequently discussed, but it is equally important to understand how a changing climate is impacting Arctic landscapes, populations, laws, policies and economies TODAY. Rapidly melting ice is generating new shipping lanes, mining opportunities, fisheries and more. We explore the importance of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to understanding and solving problems, and how that can help us better predict the impacts of climate change on future generations.

Dr. Paul Andrew Mayewski is an internationally acclaimed glaciologist, climate scientist and polar explorer who has forged a career through accomplishments at the cutting edge of science. He is Director/Professor of the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine. His exploration and science credentials include: leader of more than 55 expeditions to the remotest polar and high altitude reaches of the planet; more than 450 scientific publications; major scientific discoveries such as: abrupt climate change in the atmosphere and documentation of human source pollution; numerous awards and hundreds of prominent appearances in the media such as: multiple CBS 60 Minutes shows, NOVA films, National Public Radio, and the 2014 Emmy Award winning “Years of Living Dangerously."

Dr. Firooza Pavri is Director of the Muskie School of Public Service and Professor of Geography. She is originally from India and prior to joining USM, she lived in the Midwest and received her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Toledo and Ohio State University respectively. Dr. Pavri teaches and conducts research in the area of environmental geography, with a focus on society-environment interactions, natural resource conservation & policy, sustainable development, and geospatial technologies, including remote sensing.

Charles H. Norchi is the Benjamin Thompson Professor of Law, and director of the Center for Oceans & Coastal Law and Graduate Law Programs and the University of Maine School of Law. He teaches International Law, Oceans Law and Policy, International Human Rights, and Maritime Law. His current research includes public international law; law of the sea; the intersections of law, science, and policy; the Arctic; and Afghanistan.