Preparing Arctic Communities for Crisis - Project CLEAR

The Arctic is changing rapidly. Climate shifts, geopolitical tensions, and growing human activity are creating new challenges for communities living in the region. Emergencies such as severe storms, power outages, and supply chain disruptions are becoming more frequent—and often, local communities must respond with limited resources and little outside help. That is why Preparing Arctic Communities for Crisis or CLEAR was launched together with the Thematic Network on Arctic Safety and Security.

The first meeting in the network was held at the start of November in Copenhagen, with participants from Nord University, Mid Sweden University, Lapland University of Applied Science and University College Copenhagen. The primary focus was on project planning, getting to know each other and discussing different aspects of applied approaches to simulations and exercises in teaching and research. In the coming years, we will be hosting meetings in Bodø, Rovaniemi, Sundsvall, and finally back in Copenhagen.

CLEAR is a two-year project (2025–2027) led by Jacob Taarup-Esbensen and focuses on strengthening crisis leadership in the Arctic. Its goal is simple: help communities prepare for emergencies through realistic simulations, hands-on training, and knowledge sharing. By bringing together researchers, students, professionals, and local leaders from across the Nordic countries, CLEAR creates a strong network dedicated to resilience and safety.

The project emphasises three key areas: using traditional knowledge to guide decision-making, supporting community leadership in culturally and environmentally sensitive ways, and building sustainable skills for crisis management. Resilience is not just about bouncing back—it is about having the right tools and leadership to act quickly and effectively to anticipate and manage impact on critical functions.

Over the next two years, CLEAR will host six events, including training sessions and symposiums, to develop practical solutions for Arctic challenges. These activities will draw on research and best practices from Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, ensuring that strategies are both innovative and locally relevant.

As the Arctic faces more extreme weather, increased tourism, and complex logistical challenges, CLEAR aims to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.

If you would like to know more about CLEAR, please contact Jacob Taarup-Esbensen at JATA@kp.dk.