An early-release episode, “The Arctic on Fire,” explores the changing fire regime, the impact of wildfires on the community and global scale, and how restoring Indigenous fire practices could be part of the solution
On 30 June, the Arctic Council published the first episode of its new podcast, “This Way Up”, a special early release ahead of season one, slated for publishing in fall 2025.
This Way Up is the Arctic Council podcast that introduces you to the people and stories shaping a changing Arctic. Each episode explores an important topic in the Arctic through storytelling, where guests share their own unique experiences and ideas. Personal stories from across the circumpolar Arctic will showcase what makes the region and its Peoples so unique and inspiring. This Way Up is hosted by Jessica Cook of the Arctic Council Secretariat and Rosa-Máren Magga of the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat.
The early-release episode, “The Arctic on Fire,” is now available on all open podcast platforms. The episode about Arctic wildfires was published early due to the 2025 wildfire season already in motion. From the record-shattering 2023 wildfire season in Canada to the zombie fires smoldering beneath the boreal forests, Arctic wildfires are reshaping landscapes, threatening communities and accelerating global climate change.
In this episode, learn about the changing fire regime and how Arctic wildfires impact everyone across the globe from Edward Alexander of Gwich’in Council International and Sue Natali and Brenden Rogers of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. Hear from Edward Alexander, Chief Bill Erasmus of Arctic Athabaskan Council and Vladimir Klimov of RAIPON, who share both the devastating impact wildfires have had on their communities, as well as the beneficial uses of fire practiced by their ancestors until colonization put a stop to Indigenous cultural burning. Finally, explore how restoring Indigenous fire practices and integrating knowledge systems could be part of the solution to improving wildfire management, promoting healthier ecosystems, revitalizing culture and building resilience.
More information, show notes and resources can be found here. Season one will be published in full during fall 2025.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE