In the Arctic climate change has had visible consequences. The Arctic ice cap is melting faster than predicted by existing climate models. This might lead to Arctic shipping routes becoming increasingly important for international trade. At the same time the Arctic’s sensitive ecosystems must be protected.

Around 150 high-ranking representatives of governments, research institutions, enterprises, associations and NGOs will discuss these issues on Thursday, 10 April, at the conference “Sustainable shipping in the Arctic – prospects for international cooperation”.

It will be opened by Maria Böhmer, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, and Michael Odenwald, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.