1.1 A rapidly changing Arctic may require new approaches
Underpinned by complex desires related to acquiring geopolitical
hegemony, resource control, and urban growth, the Arctic is often viewed
as a key focal point for cultural, economic, and military power in the
21st century (Arctic Research Consortium of the U. S, 2018; Brigham,
2007; Corbett et al., 2010; Mazurier et al., 2020; Network, 2008; Young,
2010, 2011). In parallel to these expansionist ambitions, the Arctic is
experiencing the fastest geophysical changes taking place on the planet
related to climate change, as noted in the accelerated loss of sea ice,
changes in freeze thaw cycles of permafrost, and the expansion of boreal
ecological systems into the Arctic region (Crate & Fedorov, 2013;
Dodds, 2010; Post et al., 2009; Steiner et al., 2019; Stroeve et al.,
2012). These efforts to understand the future have led to a surfeit of
models, projections, and forecasts for the Arctic (Proshutinsky et al.,
2016, 2020). In contrast, the local and regional experiences of those
who dwell in the Arctic tend to receive considerably less attention
(Cost, 2015; Falardeau et al., 2019; N. Wormbs et al., 2018).