The North Awakens from Coursera

In this course, you will learn how the changing Arctic environment is tied to the growing economic and strategic importance of the North. After setting the stage through a review of the peoples of the Arctic and how they are dealing with change, Arctic governance, economies national defense, attention turns to marine use of the Arctic, oil and gas exploration, mining, fisheries and tourism. The course ends with a survey of recent Arctic events.

Learning Objectives: Articulate the drivers of the growing economic and strategic importance of the Arctic in the context of the environmental changes unfolding in the region, governance, and geopolitics. Identify the impacts of the changing Arctic, both positive and negative, on the peoples of the North.

What's inside

Syllabus

Arctic Peoples, Governance, Economics and Geopolitics

This week, we'll take a closer look at the peoples of the Arctic - the Arctic as a homeland - and then turn attention to the role of the Arctic Council of the eight Arctic nations. After a foray into Arctic demographics, we'll briefly look at some of the big economic drivers in the Arctic (setting a stage for later more focused discussion in subsequent modules) and how the changing Arctic is playing into national defense.

Marine Use of the Arctic

Here we will learn how the loss of sea ice is opening up the Arctic Ocean to increased marine use and the many issues that have arisen. To set a framework, we will first become familiar with marine use limits in the Arctic Ocean as set by the United Nations Convention Law of the Sea. Then we will explore use of the Northern Sea Route along the Russian Side of the Arctic Ocean, the Northwest Passage through the channels of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and the the issues that may play into how heavily these shortcuts between the Atlantic and the Pacific may be used. Finally, we will look at the International Polar Code, which sets requirements for ships operating in polar waters.

Arctic Riches: Oil and Gas

Large areas of the Arctic are underlain by significant deposits of oil and natural gas. In this week's lessons, we will look at exploration and production activities by Russia, which are occurring all along its shelf seas and over many land areas, the United States along the North Slope of Alaska, the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, Norway, where all production is offshore, as well as prospects for Arctic development by Canada and Norway.

Beyond Oil and Gas

This week, we'll first look at another big sector of the Arctic's economy - mining - using examples such as Nornickel in Russia, the Red Dog Mine and gold mining in Alaska, diamond mining in Canada, and coal mining in Svalbard. Attention then turns to commercial and sport fishing, and the growing tourist industry. Finally, we'll take a look at some recently emerging events in the Arctic.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the Arctic region's growing geopolitical importance due to climate change, presenting both economic opportunities and strategic geopolitical considerations

Taught by a renowned polar scientist, Mark Serreze, who brings a wealth of expertise to the course

Provides insights into how the Arctic environment is interconnected with global environmental issues

Examines the impacts of Arctic change on the livelihoods and cultures of indigenous Arctic communities

Covers a broad range of topics related to the Arctic, from governance to resource extraction to tourism

Offers a comprehensive overview of the environmental, economic, and geopolitical dynamics shaping the Arctic

Reviews summary

Well-received course about the arctic

Learners say that The North Awakens is an excellent course that is very interesting and informative. The professor is great and the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. Students further say that the course provides a vivid picture of the opportunities and resources that the Arctic offers.

The course is very interesting.

"It was very interesting! "

"Very interesting to u understand the implications, interactions and connections among the different players."

The course is very informative.

"excellent course. Enjoyed immensely."

"Excellent Course !!! very informative ..."

The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful.

"Excellent Course !!! very informative .. and the instructors really knowledgeable and helpful ..."

"the instructors really knowledgeable and helpful ..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The North Awakens with these activities:

Compile a resource list on Arctic tourism

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Prepare for potential travel or research opportunities in the Arctic by compiling a comprehensive list of resources.

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Research and identify reputable websites, articles, and videos on Arctic tourism.
Create a document or spreadsheet to organize and categorize the resources.
Include information on destinations, tour operators, travel tips, and environmental considerations.

Follow online tutorials on Arctic oil and gas exploration

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Gain practical knowledge about the technical and environmental challenges of Arctic oil and gas exploration.

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Identify reputable online resources that offer tutorials on Arctic oil and gas exploration.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises and assignments.
Apply your newly acquired knowledge in discussions or projects related to Arctic resource development.

Attend a workshop on Arctic governance

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Deepen your understanding of the complex and evolving Arctic governance landscape.

Browse courses on Arctic Governance

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Research and identify relevant workshops on Arctic governance.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Follow up with speakers or organizers to explore further learning opportunities.

One other activity

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Participate in a study group focused on Arctic mining

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Engage in collaborative learning and exchange ideas about the environmental, social, and economic implications of Arctic mining.

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Form a study group with peers who share an interest in Arctic mining.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and agenda.
Discuss research findings, case studies, and current events related to Arctic mining.
Prepare and deliver presentations on specific aspects of Arctic mining.

Career center

Learners who complete The North Awakens will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their physical, chemical, and biological properties. They use this knowledge to understand the role of the oceans in the Earth's climate system and how the oceans are affected by human activities. The course The North Awakens can help Oceanographers understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the oceans. This knowledge can help Oceanographers develop new models of the ocean system and better understand the processes that drive it.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, and how they interact with each other. They use this knowledge to develop solutions to environmental problems. The course The North Awakens can help Environmental Scientists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the environment and its components. This knowledge can help Environmental Scientists develop new strategies for protecting the Arctic environment.

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Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the Earth. They also work to ensure that oil and gas production is done in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The course The North Awakens can help Petroleum Engineers understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting oil and gas exploration and production. This knowledge can help Petroleum Engineers develop new technologies and strategies for extracting oil and gas in the Arctic in a sustainable way.

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Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and how it is changing. They use this knowledge to predict future climate change and develop strategies to mitigate its effects. The course The North Awakens can help Climate Scientists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Earth's climate system. This knowledge can help Climate Scientists develop new models of the climate system and better understand the processes that drive it.

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Conservationist

Conservationists work to protect the environment and its resources. They develop and implement conservation plans, and work with governments and businesses to promote conservation. The course The North Awakens can help Conservationists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the environment and its resources. This knowledge can help Conservationists develop new strategies for protecting the Arctic environment.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They use this knowledge to understand how ecosystems function and how they are affected by human activities. The course The North Awakens can help Ecologists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting ecosystems. This knowledge can help Ecologists develop new strategies for protecting ecosystems in the Arctic.

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Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists study the biology, behavior, and populations of marine organisms. They use this knowledge to understand how marine ecosystems function and how they are affected by human activities. The course The North Awakens can help Marine Biologists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting marine ecosystems. This knowledge can help Marine Biologists develop new strategies for conserving marine ecosystems in the Arctic.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and populations of wild animals. They use this knowledge to develop conservation plans and manage wildlife populations. The course The North Awakens can help Wildlife Biologists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting wildlife populations. This knowledge can help Wildlife Biologists develop new strategies for conserving wildlife in the Arctic.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its magnetic field, gravity, and heat flow. They use this information to understand the Earth's structure and dynamics. The course The North Awakens can help Geophysicists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Earth's physical properties. This knowledge can help Geophysicists develop new models of the Earth's system and better understand the processes that drive it.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's structure, rocks, and soil. They use this knowledge to find oil and gas, water, and other resources. The course The North Awakens can help Geologists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the availability of resources in the region. This knowledge can help Geologists make better decisions about where to explore for resources and how to extract them in a sustainable way.

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National Security Analyst

National Security Analysts assess threats to national security and develop strategies to protect the country from these threats. They use their knowledge of national security and international relations to help policymakers make informed decisions. The course The North Awakens can help National Security Analysts understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic region. This knowledge can help National Security Analysts develop new strategies to protect the country from threats in the Arctic region.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They use their knowledge of education and curriculum development to help students learn and grow. The course The North Awakens can help Educators understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic region. This knowledge can help Educators teach students about the Arctic region in an accurate and informative way.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They use their knowledge of journalism and the news media to inform the public about important issues. The course The North Awakens can help Journalists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic region. This knowledge can help Journalists report on the Arctic region in an accurate and informative way.

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International Relations Specialist

International Relations Specialists work to promote cooperation and understanding between countries. They use their knowledge of international relations and diplomacy to help resolve conflicts and build partnerships. The course The North Awakens can help International Relations Specialists understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic region. This knowledge can help International Relations Specialists develop new strategies for promoting cooperation and understanding in the Arctic region.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They use their knowledge of public policy and the political process to help policymakers make informed decisions. The course The North Awakens can help Policy Analysts understand the environmental changes in the Arctic and how these changes are affecting the Arctic region. This knowledge can help Policy Analysts develop new policies to address the challenges facing the Arctic region.

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