The most important thing for people to know about the governance of the Arctic is that we have a chance now to act to maintain the integrity of the system or to lose it. To lose it means that we will dismember the vital systems that make the Arctic work. It's not just a cost to the people who live there. It's a cost to all people everywhere
Sylvia Earle. Marine biologist, Oceanographer, Explorer,
I'm Dave King—a lifelong explorer, adventurer, and advocate for the Arctic wilderness.
The Arctic has been my home for over 40 years where I've undertaken countless adventures kayaking wild rivers, climbing & skiing the highest peaks, sailing the remote waters of the North , and, together with my huskies, journeyed across the frozen landscapes, from the wilds of Alaska to the remote corners of Canada, Nunavut, and Greenland and beyond.
I've feel a deep connection to this vast and fragile ecosystem. But with this connection comes a responsibility—one that I've taken seriously and with increasing concern for the past decades.
In recent years, leading the Arctic Plastic Project, my team and I have dedicated ourselves to cleaning up remote Arctic shorelines, battling against the tide of plastic pollution and seeking solutions to this ever increasing problem. It's been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, driven by a desire to protect this pristine environment for future generations.
And now, with Arctic Alive, I'm embarking on a new chapter of my journey—a mission to share my love, awareness, and concerns for a better Arctic environment. Through livestreams, podcasts, interviews, and educational initiatives, I aim to shine a light on the beauty and fragility of the Arctic to a wider audience, engaging with scientists, biologists, fishers, environmental organisations and the diverse communities and individuals that call this region home and telling their stories.
With each photograph, podcast, livestream and written article I hope to inspire action and ignite a passion for conservation. For me, the Arctic isn't just a place on the map—it's a living, breathing ecosystem that deserves our utmost respect and protection.
My goal is to encourage a shared commitment and understanding of the threats facing the Arctic and to seek solutions to safeguard one of the most delicate and threatened ecosystems on our planet The challenges facing this region are vast and complex, but they are not insurmountable. By understanding these challenges and seeking innovative solutions, we can work together to protect the Arctic for future generations.
One of the most pressing issues facing the Arctic is climate change. The region is warming at more than twice the global average, leading to the rapid melting of sea ice, thawing permafrost, and disruptions to wildlife habitats. These changes not only threaten iconic Arctic species like polar bears and walruses but also have far-reaching implications for global climate systems.
Another major challenge is pollution, particularly plastic pollution Despite its remote location, the Arctic is not immune to the scourge of plastic waste ( in the region where I live, the volume of annual plastic waste on our shores is colossal ) In fact, microplastics have been found in Arctic sea ice, snow, and even in the stomachs of marine animals. This pollution not only harms wildlife but also poses risks to human health and livelihoods, particularly for Indigenous communities who rely on the Arctic environment for their traditional way of life.
Industrial activities, such as oil and gas extraction, shipping, and mining, also pose significant threats to the Arctic ecosystem. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
However, despite these challenges, there is hope. By working together and taking action, we can protect the Arctic and ensure its survival for generations to come. This includes implementing sustainable practices, supporting renewable energy initiatives, advocating for stronger environmental regulations, and engaging with local communities to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes, and above all, creating ways to educate a wider demographic on how environmental events in the Arctic can affect the whole planet.
Arctic Alive YouTube
See you out there !