In recent years, international attention has focused on the Arctic as a critical zone for global environmental change, due to concern over global warming, atmospheric pollution, ozone depletion, overfishing, and uncontrolled resource extraction. With the internationalization of the circumpolar north through quests for natural resources and the growth of capitalist markets, the importance of the correct use of natural resources and proper ways forward for Arctic environmental protection has given rise to intense debate. Yet, despite the diversity of the indigenous peoples and cultures of this area, science-based resource management systems designed to safeguard wildlife and the Arctic environment have, for the most part, ignored indigenous perspectives.
Protecting the Arctic explores some of the ways in which indigenous peoples have taken political action regarding Arctic environmental and sustainable development issues, and investigates the involvement of indigenous peoples in internationa