The George Washington University Arctic Programs
GW has an extensive multidisciplinary research program that examines all aspects of Arctic life. In terms of the natural environment, scientists examine changes in permafrost conditions and what these changes mean for Arctic infrastructure. On the social science and built environment, GW hosts numerous projects examining urban sustainability in Arctic conditions, with projects devoted to topics such as informal roads, open space, and gender issues. Researchers come from almost all parts of the university, including Geography, International Affairs, Sustainability, the School of Public Health, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Law School, among others. We collaborate extensively with researchers based in and near all Arctic countries as well as the rest of the planet.
Our Partner Project
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Arctic communities; however, these consequences differ from region to region and across genders. During the pandemic, women, in particular Indigenous women, were disproportionately vulnerable to effects of the pandemic such as elevated unemployment, loss of income, increased unpaid work – homework and child/elderly care – during stay-at-home orders, domestic violence, and higher health risks, particularly among those employed in the health and social care sectors. Most importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely deepened gender inequality for years to come.
This research project aims to capture, understand, and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic gender impacts and gendered policy responses with a focus on women in the Arctic to support informed gender-oriented policy response strategies.
Informal Roads: The Impact of Unofficial Transportation Routes on Remote Arctic Communities
Belmont Forum Collaborative Research, Rapid Arctic environmental Changes: implications for well-being, resilience and Evolution of Arctic communities (RACE)
Belmont Forum Collaborative, Research Coastal Ocean Sustainability in Changing Climate
Collaborative Research, Frozen Commons: Change, Resilience and Sustainability in the Arctic
Collaborative Research, Local Government Response to COVID-19: Juneau Alaska, a case study in adaptive governance, risk management, communication, and decision-making.
Belmont Forum Collaborative Research, Arctic Community Resilience to Boreal Environmental Change: Assessing Risks from Fire and Disease (ACRoBEAR)