Climate Change in the Arctic: A Policy Simulation with and for Emerging Leaders

Abstract

A policy simulation is designed to create a safe, fictional environment that captures the complexity and salient features of future governance and policy issues. The goal is to deepen participants’ understanding of the issues at hand and provide a way to explore possible solutions on challenging topics. We report on a policy simulation for emerging leaders in the Arctic. The simulation addressed pressing issues related to adaptation to climate change that may, among other things, lead to increasing exploitation of mineral resources and the expansion of shipping in Arctic waters. We describe how the simulation was developed, its implementation and results. We conclude that, to serve as useful tools in searching for solutions to complex policy challenges in the Arctic, policy simulations demand careful design and preparations that engage participants.