© ACS

How does one advocate for one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth? In this episode of This Way Up, we bring together three voices with unique perspectives on Arctic advocacy:

  • Sara Olsvig, International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, on why Indigenous Knowledge and human rights must be at the core of Arctic policy.
  • Petteri Vuorimäki, Finland’s former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, on bridging global understanding of the circumpolar region and finding balance between competing interests.
  • Heïdi Sevestre, glaciologist and science communicator at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat, on translating urgent climate science into human stories that inspire change.

Together, they discuss why the Arctic matters far beyond its borders, what gaps remain in global advocacy efforts and how Indigenous Knowledge, science and diplomacy can come together to help the region thrive. From environmental change and critical energy transition minerals to human rights and geoengineering, their conversation highlights the complexity of the Arctic, and why listening, humility and cooperation are essential for its future.

Tune in to hear how you, too, can advocate for the Arctic.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts - or wherever you get your podcasts.

"Many people don't seem to be able to see the comprehensive picture of the circumpolar Arctic. It is not only about military security. It is not only about business activities. It is not only about the people in the Arctic. It is not only about the climate change." Petteri Vuorimäki, former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official for Finland

© Petteri Vuorimäki
"I feel that sometimes when we're in the Arctic, we're in the future because things are happening so rapidly that we live. We are going through where the rest of the world would experience in maybe 10 or 20 years." Heïdi Sevestre, Glaciologist & science communicator, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat

© National Geographic/Pablo Durana
"I think we are at a critical moment seeing and hearing and experiencing what is happening these years in the Arctic and beyond. And we are at a moment where we cannot lean back and we cannot back down from, any reason or for any reason, including the geopolitical development." Sara Olsvig, International Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council

© Sara Olsvig

Episode guests

Thank you to our guests, in order of appearance:

Sara Olsvig, International Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council

Petteri Vuorimäki, former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official for Finland

Heïdi Sevestre, Glaciologist and science communicator, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme

The music in this episode is by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission.

Meet the hosts


© Rosa-Máren Magga

Rosa-Máren Magga
Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat


© Jessica Cook

Jessica Cook
Arctic Council Secretariat

This Way Up is produced by the Arctic Council Secretariat and Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat. The views expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of all Arctic States and Permanent Participants.