Arctic Futures Institute
The Arctic Futures Institute (AFI) was created in 2018 as a non-profit organization reflecting a joint initiative between three Maine-based partners: the Center for Oceans & Coastal Law of the University of Maine School of Law, the Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine, and the World Ocean Observatory. The three founding AFI institutions are a unique combination of science, law, policy and outreach based in Maine. In January of 2023 AFI dissolved as an independent entity and incorporated its administrative function, website, social media, and public engagement within the World Ocean Observatory. Programs planned for 2023 have been created and will be executed by the partners, funded independently, and promoted through the communications capacity of W2O. A new organization, Arctic Earth, operators of a sailing expedition research vessel offering science and sea experience in Arctic waters, has been added to the AFI program catalogue. As a program of W2O, AFI will continue to celebrate the successes of its partners and its various programs--past, present, and future.
Partners
The Arctic Futures Institute (AFI) collaboration offers a unique combination of science, law, policy and outreach based in Maine. Partners are: the Climate Change Institute, the Center for Oceans & Coastal Law, and the World Ocean Observatory.
Center for Oceans & Coastal Law, University of Maine School of Law
Engaged in advanced Arctic law and policy research.
Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine
Conducting research and graduate education focused on climate, ecosystems, other environmental systems and the interaction between humans and the natural environment.
World Ocean Observatory
A major utility for ocean communication to advance public awareness and political will. Dedicated to providing information and education about the health of the ocean.
About
In January 2015, a White House executive order established the Arctic Steering Committee to sharpen coordination of the 22 federal agencies working on U.S. priorities in the region. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I- ME) launched the Senate Arctic Caucus to promote congressional awareness of the gravity of the challenges in the northern latitudes. Under the chair of the United States the Arctic Council met in Maine in October 2017. The AFI builds on the energy and interest stimulated by that meeting and will invite participation state-wide of academic/research institutions, government and non-government entities, and businesses--many of which served on the Arctic Council Maine Host Committee.
