Conclusion:
The tides are moving in the Arctic and it is time for us [stakeholders] to take the inward journey and examine our motivations for exploration and development of the region. To close, I will share the following ideas that came up in my working group at the Arctic Futures Institute. We should work toward multilateral agreements that respect the rights of local cultures, spur economic prosperity and ensure environmental sustainability. To go even further, agreements should be crafted to reverse the negative effects of climate change. While it may be impractical to think that all future energy consumption will be from renewable resources, it may work to require that a percentage of energy use consist of renewable energy. Also, perhaps a portion of the GDP of could be devoted to research and development for solutions to future climate issues, and a carbon tax be levied on fossil fuel producers and distributors. For those of us from the United States, we should ask why it is that our country has not yet ratified the United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty, and hold our governing bodies accountable. Regardless of the tack taken, it is important to remember that it is unfair for international communities to regulate what happens the Arctic without providing viable alternatives to the indiscriminate drilling and mining scenario. Imagination, innovation and communication will be key factors in providing these alternatives and ensuring prosperous Arctic futures.