In this episode of Hot Spots, host Kay Brown travels to Reykjavik, Iceland, attending the Arctic Circle Assembly where global leaders, scientists, and advocates gather to confront the rapid transformation of the Arctic. She speaks with Jim Gamble, Senior Director of Pacific Environment’s Arctic Program, about the accelerating Arctic meltdown and how warming four times faster than the rest of the planet is reshaping oceans, ecosystems, and human lives. Jim explains how maritime shipping drives climate change through CO2 emissions, black carbon pollution, and disturbances to marine life—connecting climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in the triple planetary crisis. They discuss sea ice loss, glacier melt, sea level rise, impacts on Indigenous subsistence communities, and human health risks. Jim also breaks down the failed IMO net-zero vote, why it matters, and how public pressure can still drive change. Despite setbacks, he shares hopeful pathways forward through advocacy, policy reform, and global collaboration.

Takeaways:

• The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average
• Shipping emissions contribute significantly to carbon pollution and black carbon
• Black carbon speeds melting by darkening ice and snow surfaces
• Climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution are interconnected global crises
• Shrinking sea ice disrupts ocean currents and accelerates warming worldwide
• Indigenous communities face food insecurity and cultural loss from ecosystem disruption
• IMO net-zero shipping framework stalled but public pressure could revive progress
• Cutting black carbon emissions offers immediate climate and health benefits

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