opinions
Newsletter from the Editor
News and Art in Perfect Harmony
Dear reader, we can finally present a brand-new collaboration between High North News and the world’s northernmost orchestra, Arctic Philharmonic. What role does art actually play in times of crisis and war? As the director of the philharmonic puts it: “Art is something worth defending.”
Published
Modified
hat the High North is at the centre of geopolitics and major changes is nothing new. Yet while so much of the current debate revolves around security, we step into the world of art and enter into a collaboration with the world’s northernmost orchestra, the Arctic Philharmonic.
Two debates in Northern Norway will be held — one in Tromsø on 7 September and one in Bodø on 8 September. Art and music will be discussed as part of society’s preparedness, with our editor, Arne O. Holm, leading the discussions.
And now, to the unavoidable:
An American nuclear-powered submarine recently arrived in the Norwegian Arctic, a major military exercise will be held in Greenland, while Finland and Sweden are expanding their cooperation on territorial surveillance.
EU and Iceland
A majority of Icelanders voted against restarting negotiations on Icelandic EU membership.
Ahead of the referendum, sovereignty, the economy and control over fisheries were among the key issues.
Industry and research
Swedish mining company LKAB has been given permission to purchase state-owned land in Northern Sweden.
Along large parts of the Norwegian coast, sea urchins have grazed down the kelp forests. Researchers are now investigating whether subsea technology can help bring the kelp forests back.
In a commentary, Holm argues that the power crisis in Northern Norway is not primarily about a lack of electricity, but rather limited transmission capacity in the power grid. He says it is absurd that people in the north should have to pay for electricity used in the south.
You can also read about how European companies’ ties to Russian gas are far from completely severed.
King Harald has died
King Harald V of Norway died on Friday, 28 August, at the age of 89. He had been King of Norway since 1991.
Holm writes warmly about the King’s strong connection to Northern Norway in the commentary “The King of the High North.”
There is much more to discover in High North News.
Follow us on social media, join the debate and take part in our events.
Best, Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen
