Arctics

Arctics refers to the Arctic region and its surrounding lands and seas, centered around the Arctic Circle. The term encompasses the Arctic Ocean basin and the northern portions of several countries, including Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska). It is used to describe both the natural environment and the human communities that inhabit or interact with the high-latitude north.

The climate of the Arctics is characterized by long, cold winters and shorter, cool summers. The region experiences extreme seasonal variations in daylight, with polar night in winter and continuous daylight in summer. Much of the interior is underlain by permafrost, and sea ice covers parts of the Arctic Ocean for varying lengths of the year. Climate change has accelerated warming in the Arctic, altering sea ice extent and disrupting traditional ecological and human systems.

Ecosystems in the Arctic include tundra habitats with hardy grasses, mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs, as well as taiga in southern fringes. Wildlife is adapted to severe conditions and includes polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, caribou or reindeer, and a diversity of seabirds and migratory species. Indigenous and local communities rely on these ecosystems for subsistence, culture, and livelihoods, often practicing traditional hunting, fishing, and herding.

Human activity in the Arctics ranges from indigenous stewardship to modern industries such as mining, energy, and shipping. The region hosts important maritime routes—such as the Northern Sea Route and parts of the Northwest Passage—whose use is increasing with melting sea ice. International cooperation and governance seek to balance environmental protection with economic interests.

The Arctic Council is a leading intergovernmental forum coordinating policy on Arctic issues, emphasizing science, environmental protection, and sustainable development.