Introduction to the Arctic

Abstract

Climate change is occurring rapidly in the Arctic, bringing new economic opportunities alongside challenges for environmental governance in the region. Evaluating these changes, and options for effectively addressing them, requires an understanding of existing institutions and frameworks. This chapter provides a foundation for the book and an introduction to Arctic marine governance and transatlantic cooperation, setting the scene with sections on the spatial scope of the Arctic marine area, the law of the sea in the Arctic marine area, the Arctic Council, and the respective Arctic and marine policies of the European Union and the United States.