30 Years of Innovation and Excellence: GRID-Arendal Annual Report 2019

Putting Arctic issues in the international spotlight

GRID-Arendal wrote and produced the high-profile UNEP report “Global Linkages: A Graphic Look at the Changing Arctic”, which highlighted challenges in the region from climate change to pollution to biodiversity loss. The report was launched in March during the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4), at an event that featured environment ministers and other high- level representatives from Nordic countries. The report

generated extensive global news coverage and discussion on social media. GRID-Arendal’s robust polar program has continued to build connections and capacity that are helping it to raise the profile of the Arctic in other ways as well, including by working closely with UNEP on Arctic projects, representing UNEP at Arctic events, and running communications and dissemination for the EU-funded Nunataryuk project on permafrost.

A stark picture of one of the planet’s most sensitive regions and one that is key to the fate of the world’s climate. “ Maps and graphics from “Global Linkages” are displayed during a seminar marking GRID-Arendal’s 30th anniversary.

KEY NUMBERS

4 million

number of people who live in the Arctic

21,000

number of different species found in the Arctic

The Guardian on “Global Linkages”

40%

The “Global Linkages” report was covered by news outlets around the world, including The Guardian (UK), CBC News (Canada), La Vanguardia (Spain), The Barents Observer (Norway), Vice (US), and The Times of India . MEDIA COVERAGE

estimated decline in Arctic sea ice since 1979

1,672 billion

estimated metric tons of carbon stored in Arctic permafrost

12