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Sustainability Events

America's Role in a Changing Arctic

Ambassador David Balton

  • Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries
  • Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science, Department of State

The Arctic region is changing rapidly: glaciers are receding, sea ice is diminishing, and permafrost is thawing. All these phenomena present serious challenges for residents of the Arctic and for the world. At the same time, the Arctic warming is enabling increased shipping and hydrocarbon extraction. In this talk, Ambassador Balton will review these developments and a recent flurry of international efforts to come to grips with them.

In March 2005, following confirmation by the Senate, Balton attained the rank of Ambassador during his tenure. Ambassador Balton is responsible for coordinating the development of U.S. foreign policy concerning oceans and fisheries, and overseeing U.S. participation in international organizations dealing with these issues. His portfolio also includes responsibility for overseeing the Department of State’s work on Arctic and Antarctic affairs.

This event is co-sponsored by Center for Law and Global Affairs, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.