157. Hilde Fålun Strøm and others: The Call of the Arctic

(00:00:00) 157. Hilde Fålun Strøm and others: The Call of the Arctic (00:01:26) Life in Polar Night (00:02:40) 19 months at Bamsebu (00:05:58) Tourism and Conservation Role (00:09:24) Avalanche Turning Point (00:09:56) Rapid Warming in Svalbard (00:12:04) Tourism Growth and Regulations (00:13:33) Polar Bears and Sea Ice (00:16:17) First-Time Arctic Impressions (00:18:21) Seeing Climate Change Up Close (00:19:48) Extreme Medicine Meets Climate (00:21:58) Is the Arctic Dying (00:26:01) Hilde's Message and Farewell Sue Stockdale speaks with Arctic expedition leader Hilde Fålun Strøm, who has spent more than three decades living in Svalbard, one of the fastest-changing places on Earth. Hilde shares how witnessing environmental change firsthand has shaped her perspective, why direct experience matters, and what she has learned from introducing thousands of visitors to the Arctic. The episode also features reflections from Professor Mark Hannaford, Malou Platou Johansen, and Sian Shields, who were participants in the 2026 Arctic Call expedition and conference in Svalbard. Their  encounters with glaciers, wildlife and the realities of Arctic change challenged their assumptions and prompted new ways of thinking about communication and action.   Connect with Hilde Fålun Strøm, Professor Mark Hannaford, Malou Platou Johansen, Sian Shields, and find out more about The Arctic Call.  In this episode, you'll discover: What draws people to the Arctic and why experiencing it firsthand can change their perspective How the Arctic's changing environment is influencing the way people think about the future The importance of bringing together different perspectives, from local knowledge to scientific research How meaningful conversations can inspire people to take a greater interest in the Arctic and its future Key Quotes "It's the fastest warming place on Earth. Svalbard is the epicenter of climate change". "Visiting the polar regions does something to people".   "Are we witnessing the death of the Arctic?" " It's not like what's happening here stays in the Arctic. It has an impact to the rest of the world". Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra