Episode 56: Reimagining a More Secure Arctic with Dr. Jeremy Mathis

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly turbulent arena for global geopolitics. Consequences of climate change are rapidly changing the region, sparking more opportunities for global powers to assert territorial claims, promote tourism, and push forward with research –often to the detriment of indigenous populations and the environment. Without any international treaties on the Arctic, the region is effectively in a state akin to the “Wild West.” Nicole Butler (SSP’25) hosts Dr. Jeremy Mathis to discuss the current state of Arctic politics and offers some creative, proactive solutions for stable Arctic policy and to protect this unique ecosystem.

About the Guest

Jeremy T. Mathis, Ph.D., is a Professor of Environmental Policy in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. From 2019 to 2021, he held the position of Director of the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Before that, Dr. Mathis served as a science policy advisor in the Office of U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). 

From 2012 to 2017, Dr. Mathis worked in various programmatic and executive roles for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where he specialized in global climate change and resilience. From 2007 to 2012, he was a Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the founding Director of the first U.S. Ocean Acidification Research Center. Dr. Mathis has published more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles that have been cited more than 8,000 times. He has chaired numerous national and international working groups and committees, visiting more than 60 countries in a professional capacity.

Views expressed are personal and do not represent the views of GSSR or any other entity.