In this first episode of ESG in the Arctic, we will explore Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic Corporate Shipping Pledge. With the Arctic warming three times faster than the rest of the world, the melting ice opens up new pathways for trans-shipment routes. According to Ocean Conservancy, increased shipping traffic poses threats to marine ecosystems. In response, the pledge asks corporations to avoid Arctic Trans-Shipment routes and promote precautionary Arctic shipping practices.

Today we’re pleased to welcome Whit Sheard to Breaking the Ice. Whit is the Senior Director of Shipping Emissions at Ocean Conservancy and the lead for Ocean Conservancy’s International Arctic Program. Together, we discuss the origins and aims of the pledge, Ocean Conservancy’s collaboration with Nike, and the possible implications of the pledge.

We're back with a new fall series on ESG investing! Stay tuned for new episodes over the next few months.

As interest in northern shipping routes continues to grow, Canada may need a well-developed port system to manage this increased traffic.

But is it possible to build a SMART port in the Arctic? SMART ports use innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain, and more, to help in the docking of ships, unloading of goods, and other key port functions.

Today on Breaking the Ice, we’re speaking to Dr. Natalie Gupta on this important subject. Natalie has worked independently through her own consultancy firm Port Processes Ltd., advising ports around the world.