Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland will serve as a commissioner on the Aspen Institute’s Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change.  Brundtland was also Special Envoy on Climate Change to the United Nations Secretary General and is a former Norwegian Prime Minister. She will join other notable scientists, policy experts, and representatives from Arctic native peoples and environmental organizations such as WWF International and Shell Oil company.

“The Arctic is among the world’s first regions to experience dramatic ecological impacts due to climate change. Dr. Brundtland’s stature and influence will help focus the world’s attention on the Arctic at this critical stage in its history, and we are homered she will join us,” said David Monsma, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Energy and Environment Program and the Commission.

In light of all the recent international activity in the Arctic caused by decreased ice coverage in the Arctic, Aspen Institute and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation convened a civil society Dialogue and Commission on Arctic Climate Change.

The Commission will meet to discuss whether current international laws are sufficient to protect the Arctic in the coming years. The commission will discuss such things as safe oil drilling, water rights and the safety of Arctic species. The Commission and its work groups will pay particular attention to the need for greater international cooperation in promoting conservation, sustainable development, and shared responsibility for the Arctic.

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues.

The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events.

The Institute is based in Washington, DC, Aspen, CO, and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and has an international network of partners.