The Arctic has been the source of geopolitical conflict and territorial disputes for centuries . From walrus ivory and seal skins starting in the middle ages to coal, oil, and gas today, the Arctic is a veritable treasure trove of resources. But it’s also one of the most fragile and most vital ecosystems on Earth. First founded in 1996, the Arctic Council is comprised of eight nations: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. While these members represent a huge range of interests, priorities and concerns — many of which conflict — all Arctic nations are concerned with sovereignty and security, resources and development, shipping routes, and environmental conservation. Those oft conflicting priorities, however, are coming to a head against the backdrop of global warming. Just last month, the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounded a “ code red for […]