The impacts of climate change and nationalism in the Arctic

Arctic map

Meg Sherval

This research addresses the increasing interest in the Arctic and its resource potential by developing links with other international researchers in this field and developing effective ways to influence policy in regards to the Arctic's future.  Although contestation over resources is not new, the geopolitical and environmental significance of mining what is essentially a new greenfields landscape of this scale is unprecedented. Likewise, the possibility for conflict over ownership of the undeveloped resource streams is very real as nations seek to redefine their borders to protect the wealth these resources could potentially bring them. For Arctic communities, this could spell an ecological, social and cultural disaster.

Outcomes

Recent publications

Sherval M (2009) Native Alaskan engagement with social constructions of rurality, Journal of Rural Studies, 25(4) 425-434

Presentations

Sherval M (2008) Preserving Alaska's resource integrity – post-Prudhoe Bay, Institute of Australian Geographers Conference, Hobart, JulySherval M (2010) Polarising Politics – Territorialisation of the Arctic, New Zealand Geographical Society/Institute of Australian Geographers Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand, July