Framing Arctic Renewable Energy: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis

Abstract

This study examines how various actors frame the shift from oil/gas-based energy to renewable energy for the Arctic regions of the United States and Canada, in light of recent federal policy initiatives, and how domestic and international coalitions might form among them. These actors, including state/territorial governments, oil/gas companies, and renewable energy, environmental non-governmental (NGO), intergovernmental, and indigenous organizations, each strive to influence the decision-making process and thus vie to have their voices heard. This study finds that economic conditions are the dominant frame used by most actors on the policy transition to renewable energy, both for and against the transition, even though the environment is generally dominant in Arctic discourse. The type of actor (e.g., indigenous, environmental NGOs, state/territorial governments, and oil/gas companies) and the country of origin affect the perspectives these groups have with regard to the shift in policy. This study relies on public statements from these actors to discern perspectives. The shift to renewables is informed by efforts that are advanced along national lines, suggesting that national identity is more important than collective identity.