Innovation for a new Arctic

OPINION: Solving the challenges of a changing Arctic will require new approaches.

Rapid environmental and social changes in the Arctic region have enormous local and global impacts, from endangering indigenous communities to increasing global sea level. Public and private innovation in policy and action is needed by governments, businesses, and individuals in order to find enduring solutions for the many challenges resulting from rapid climate change. In response to this need, 24 Harvard Kennedy School students recently completed the new course “Policy and Social Innovation for the Changing Arctic” that challenged them to develop their own innovative and interdisciplinary solutions.