Temperatures in the Arctic are rising at three times the global average, resulting in drastic impacts on local communities, especially indigenous groups. Rising sea levels, extreme temperature events, and depletion of natural resources have resulted in a human rights crisis. The Arctic Council, comprised of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States, seeks to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Because the changes are happening so rapidly, adaptation is difficult, and indigenous and low income communities are among those most severely impacted and least able to recover from these often catastrophic climate events. The Arctic Council includes governments whose policies, such as the Trans-Atlantic oil pipeline, have worsened environmental effects, and six Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, resulting in important discussions about how to resolve sometimes opposing viewpoints and needs. Through the Arctic Council, governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, researchers, and businesses are working together to build increased resilience to the changes in the Arctic and to develop potential solutions. 

This lesson plan introduces students to human rights issues resulting from climate change in the Arctic and familiarizes them with the Arctic Council. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which relates to the restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, and Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are used as a lens through which to understand and respond to climate issues in the Arctic. Videos and a mock Arctic Council presentation help students to brainstorm potential solutions to the climate crisis in the Arctic.