Our research is advancing understanding of the Arctic, and how we might better protect this crucial part of our planet.
Experts from Anthropology, Durham Energy Institute, Law and Geography are among those involved in this vital work.
They are investigating the environmental, social, political and legal impacts of climate change and its impact on the lives of the four million people who call the Arctic home.
This was the subject of our latest Chancellor-in-Conversation event featuring Professors Simone Abram (Anthropology/Durham Energy Institute), Chris Stokes (Geography), Philip Steinberg (Geography/Durham Arctic Director), and Olivia Woolley (Durham Law School).
Together with our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, an acclaimed foreign affairs specialist, the discussions explored topics including:
The impact of higher temperatures on melting ice, rising sea levels and the lifestyles of people living in the Arctic.
Changing attitudes to the region including from China, Russia and the USA given the Arctic’s potential as a future shipping route and source of critical minerals.
The Arctic as a possible source of renewable energy and the legal frameworks needed to police this.
The importance of international cooperation to address the Arctic’s problems and ensure its future is ecologically sustainable.
Ensuring that governance of the Arctic has local people and the region’s industries at its heart.
Durham University Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill (front, centre), with (behind, l-r) Lucian J Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations, Professor Philip Steinberg, Geography/Durham Arctic Director, Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Chris Stokes, Geography, Professor Olivia Woolley, Law, and Professor Simone Abram, Anthropology/Durham Energy Institute Director. The panel discussed the challenges facing the Arctic in a changing world as part of our Chancellor-in-Conversation series.
Our panel of experts discussed the impact of melting ice on the Arctic and the people who live there, changing attitudes to the region from China, Russia and the USA, and the importance of international cooperation to address the Arctic's problems.
Professor Simone Abram focuses on interdisciplinary research on energy systems, bringing social science insights to the heart of energy research. She also explores governance, infrastructures and the challenges of ensuring that energy transitions are inclusive.
Professor Philip Steinberg investigates power and governance in fluid environments such as oceans and the Arctic, addressing geopolitics, resource management and how marine spaces challenge conventional territorial thinking.
Professor Chris Stokes looks at glaciers and ice sheets using satellite data and modelling to understand current and future changes in ice dynamics. His work highlights the sensitivity of polar ice to warming and informs global climate policy.
Professor Olivia Woolley specialises in environmental and energy law, analysing how legal frameworks support renewable energy, offshore systems and effective climate action while protecting ecosystems.
Together, these researchers provide a snapshot of our interdisciplinary strength in tackling climate challenges, producing research that informs policy and supports a more resilient future.
The Chancellor-in-Conversation event was opened by Lucian J Hudson, Executive Director, Communications & External Relations, with an introduction from our Executive Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Martin Evans. It was held in front of an audience of staff, students and friends of the University.
See how we’re leading on research into the world’s vulnerable ice sheets.
Durham Energy Institute is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research into hydrogen storage, geoenergy, and decarbonising the maritime sector, alongside postgraduate training.
Durham ARCTIC fosters interdisciplinary research alongside training for postgraduate students.
Durham University has observer status at the annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP) climate conference.
More about our departments of Anthropology and Geography and Durham Law School.
Our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in the USA.
For further information about the Chancellor-in-Conversation event, please contact Lucian J Hudson on communications.team@durham.ac.uk.
Main banner picture: The town of Aasiaat, Greenland, during winter season. Photo by Visit Greenland on Unsplash.
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