The Arctic on Fire

The Arctic isn’t just warming, it’s on fire. From the record-shattering 2023 wildfire season in Canada to the zombie fires smoldering beneath the boreal forests, Arctic wildfires are reshaping landscapes, threatening communities and accelerating global climate change. In this episode, learn about the changing fire regime and how Arctic wildfires impact everyone across the globe from Edward Alexander of Gwich’in Council International and Sue Natali and Brendan Rogers of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. Hear from Edward Alexander, Chief Bill Erasmus of Arctic Athabaskan Council and Vladimir Klimov of RAIPON, who share both the devastating impact wildfires have had on their communities, as well as the beneficial uses of fire practiced by their ancestors until colonization put a stop to Indigenous cultural burning. Finally, explore how restoring Indigenous fire practices and integrating knowledge systems could be part of the solution to improving wildfire management, promoting healthier ecosystems, revitalizing culture and building resilience. Show notes: https://arctic-council.org/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcticcouncil/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcticcouncilX: https://x.com/ArcticCouncil