Arctic Social Indicators: Measuring Change in Arctic Human Systems (Invited)

The Arctic Social Indicators (ASI) project originated as a follow-up to the Arctic Human Development Report (AHDR 2004). Both projects are social-science driven and pan-Arctic in scope, aiming to provide a comparative view of conditions and trends in different Arctic societies. The AHDR mainly compared large regions within the Arctic, whereas ASI, now entering its second stage, has sought a less aggregated view. Six broad domains for indicators are discussed in the first-stage ASI report (ASI 2010). Some of these correspond to indicators well tested elsewhere, and having straightforward definitions and measurement -- although for small Arctic populations, they may present special challenges. Strong patterns can be seen in the indicators data assembled to date. Other proposed ASI indicators remain more conceptual at present, but aim to quantify unique and problematic aspects of Arctic societies.