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Are environmentalists drowning out indigenous views on Arctic development? | Alaska Dispatch

It is astounding that six individuals -- only two of whom are from Arctic states -- could shift the debate on an area inhabited by four million people, who are often voiceless in media reports. Scanning through stories by the BBC and NBC News, reporters did not seek any comment from Arctic residents, indigenous or otherwise, on their feelings about the Greenpeace protest. If they did, the debate on the future of the Arctic would be more balanced and inclusive. Polar bears need icebergs and beluga whales need oceans free of sonar waves, to be sure. But people also need affordable food and warm homes – topics less news-friendly, but just as critical, to the future of the Arctic. As appealing as it might be for those of us, including myself, who don’t live in the Arctic to want to set up fences and simply declare a swath of land and sea protected for eternity. Yet when discussing the Arctic, we should strive to consider not only its environment, but also its people, who are more than an afterthought.

Twitter / BigJoeBastardi: What a difference a week makes, ...

What a difference a week makes, eh? Most of east top 10% COOLEST this morning pic.twitter.com/B0oc3uokNH