Professor Michael Byers and Rear Admiral Jeffrey Garrett address the political, economic and environmental impacts, governance and regulatory issues as well as the consequences for indigenous peoples for exploration and commercialization of the Arctic polar region.
Michael Byers is Professor and Canadian Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at University of British Columbia. Prior to 2004, he was a Professor of Law and Director of Canadian Studies at Duke University; from 1996–1999 he was a Research Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford University. Dr. Byers’ work focuses on the Arctic, the use of military force, and Canada-United States relations. His most recent book, International Law and the Arctic (Cambridge University Press), was awarded the $50,000 Donner Prize for the best book on public policy in Canada.
Rear Admiral Garrett, a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, spent much of his active duty career in the Coast Guard involved in polar operations and icebreaking. His service includes command of the polar icebreakers POLAR SEA and HEALY and numerous deployments to various parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Since retiring he has participated in a number of Arctic studies, National Academy of Science committees, ice piloting and consulting projects concerning polar issues. He brings a wealth of information to our meeting about the rapidly transforming Arctic and associated issues.