Kerry stressed the consequences of unchecked climate change for people in the Arctic and around the planet. In his address to Arctic nation ministers, members of Congress, and other policymakers, Kerry said that the Arctic “is not just a picturesque landscape. It’s a home. It’s a lifestyle. It has a history.”

Arctic communities, he said, are “4 million strong living there for centuries, and believe me, they are an essential part of everything that is critical to the region.”

Ministers from eight Arctic states and leaders of Arctic Indigenous Peoples met in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, marking conclusion of Canada’s Arctic Council Chairmanship and the beginning of United States’ Chairmanship. Ministers signed the Iqaluit Declaration 2015, which highlights the accomplishments of the Arctic Council during Canada’s Chairmanship (2013-2015) and guides the work of the Council under the Chairmanship of the United States(2015-2017).

As Arctic Council Chairman, Kerry has a rare opportunity to build momentum for a strong outcome in Paris climate negotiations. Kerry has already started to take advantage of this opportuniy, by making climate change a central focus of his Arctic Council chairmanship. He plans to expand access to renewable energy technologies in the Arctic, and press for full implementation of the Framework for Enhanced Action to Reduce Black Carbon and Methane Emissions, adopted at the April 2015 Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Inqaluit, Canada.

View May 26, 2015 Think Progress article
View April 24, 2015 Arctic Council news release
View April 24, 2015 Iqaluit Declaration 2015
View December 18, 2014 NPR article
View August 22, 2014 Climate Progress article