Arctic Yearbook 2014 | Page 580

580 Arctic Yearbook 2014     • • • • To study and (re)conceptualize the Arctic as a geological, biological, economic, sociocultural and political entity within a changing global context, both being affected by it and affecting it; To identify and analyze the major forces driving change in the Arctic, such as global changes (environmental change, climate change, societal change), the opening of the Arctic to resources exploration and exploitation, Arctic economic and social development, evolving geo-political interests, and others more, as well as the major drivers behind these changes; To discuss and elaborate concrete ways to address and mitigate these changes in the Arctic and beyond, involving all the relevant stakeholders, notably non-governmental organizations, civil societies, indigenous peoples (organizations) and other inhabitants of the Arctic, nation-states and state-owned enterprises, transnational corporations, as well as the research community; and More generally to reflect upon, and propose and provide new bold ideas and ways of holistic thinking regarding the implications of these profound changes on humanity and the planet, both in the Arctic region and globally. The activities and plans of the GlobalArctic project in the foreseeable future are as foll