Rapid warming is already affecting livelihoods, energy systems, infrastructure, and well-being in Arctic and Nordic regions, while existing governance and planning frameworks struggle to keep pace with compound and cascading risks. So this project aims to address the challenge of understanding and responding to the societal implications of climate change in these areas.

The overall goal of the SICCA assessment is to understand the multiple risks and societal implications of climate related changes in the pan Arctic region. The project:

• examines how Arctic warming scenarios affects livelihoods and economies, ecosystem services, transport and infrastructure, and health, safety, and well being.
• explores how non climate factors, including societal change, governance structures, and existing stressors, interact with climate impacts.
• responds to an urgent need for integrated, evidence-based approaches that support resilience, equity, and sustainable regional development under accelerating climate change.

Nordregio leads the SICCA chapters on Arctic energy systems and Livelihoods and economies, bringing expertise on climate impacts, governance, and sustainability transitions to assess risks, adaptation pathways, and opportunities for resilient and just Arctic futures.

• The Arctic energy systems chapter will assess how climate change is affecting energy production, transport and distribution, storage and reliability, and the implications for energy security and equity in remote communities.
• The livelihoods and economies chapter will assess climate related impacts on livelihoods, subsistence activities, and small scale fisheries, and examine opportunities for new and emerging economies relevant to Arctic communities.

The project will provide Arctic policymakers with a robust, policy-relevant assessment of climate risks, societal impacts, and adaptation strategies affecting energy systems, livelihoods, and economies. Results are developed in close dialogue with Arctic Council Heads of Delegation and national experts, ensuring connection with policy priorities and decision-making needs.

The assessment will deliver integrated insights, comparative evidence, and concrete examples of effective adaptation, supporting climate-resilient planning, just transitions, and coordinated responses across governance levels to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability in Arctic communities.