Arctic vision of the future: Erlanger student wins competition in Norway

Arctic vision of the future: Erlanger student wins competition in Norway

On May 27, 2025, Dheeraj Kumar, a master's student at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), was awarded 1st place in the future competition at the “High North Dialogue Conference” in Bodø, Norway. The conference, organized annually by the High North Center for Business and Governance, brings together leading players to discuss the sustainable development of the Arctic.

Kumar and his team have drawn up future scenarios for the Arctic in 2050, with a focus on international cooperation, education and sustainable resource use. In an area that includes geopolitical, climatic and economic changes, they discussed the role of new technologies and the challenges posed by climate impacts. Security aspects in the region were also taken into account.

Innovations and collaboration for a sustainable future

Particular attention was paid to creating an international research platform that connects actors such as indigenous communities, universities and multilateral organizations. As winners of the competition, Kumar and his team members received a certificate and presented their results to an expert audience. Kumar's team became aware of the event when he found out about the competition via Instagram. He sees the future development of the Arctic as crucial for the planet.

The High North Dialogue Conference offers panels on topics such as geopolitics and innovation that are relevant to the future of the Arctic. Tero Vauraste, Regional Director Europe at ICEYE, presented technologies that enable Earth observations to predict climate-related disasters. ICEYE is known for small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites that provide high-resolution images. These innovations could be important for sustainable development in the Arctic.

Sustainability and economic development in the Arctic

Jan Dusik, Sustainable Development & Governance Lead at the WWF Arctic Program, emphasized the urgency of a long-term vision for the Arctic. According to Dusik, sustainable economic development requires concrete commitments, such as environmentally friendly techniques and the participation of local actors. Germany sources the majority of its oil and gas imports from Norway and Russia, underscoring the need to maintain the highest environmental and safety standards in economic activities in the region.

The Arctic holds enormous raw material potential, but the extraction of mineral resources and the extraction of fossil fuels pose significant security and environmental risks. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that it is important to establish disaster protection mechanisms in the Arctic Ocean. Initiatives such as the Arctic Council Working Group (EPPR) focus on cooperation on oil spills and emergency preparedness.

The design of Arctic tourism also requires high environmental standards. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) advocates for policies that promote environmentally conscious behavior and prevent damage to nature. In order to overcome these challenges, it is essential that the riparian states implement effective regulations for the conservation of biological diversity and the creation of protected areas in the Arctic.

Overall, developments in the Arctic highlight the need for a harmonious balance between economic interests and environmental protection. Kumar and his team make a valuable contribution to this discourse with their future scenarios and promote the necessary interdisciplinary thinking for the challenges of the future.

The Arctic is at a critical juncture where decisions about the use of natural resources and climate change will have a significant impact on the future of our planet. International discussions and developments in the region will therefore continue to be the focus in order to secure a sustainable future. For more information on events in the Arctic and developments in the region, please visit FAU, High North News and Federal Environment Agency.