Screening + Q&A: Arming the Arctic

How climate change is affecting the geopolitics of the Arctic, and increasing the risk of war.

Against the harsh backdrop of frozen desert, a global conflict is brewing. As rising global temperatures cause arctic ice sheets to retreat, valuable natural resources ungoverned by international treaties are being revealed.

Russia has taken control of vital new sea routes and has built hundreds of military bases in the Arctic, China is conducting military exercises with Russia. Meanwhile, the West is playing catch up, as polar battle lines are being drawn.

With inside access to the military movements of NATO, this investigative documentary explores tensions in the Arctic region and the global ramifications of potential conflict.

'Arming the Arctic' is a timely documentary investigating military escalation among superpowers. Award-winning wildlife cameraman and director David Baillie pitched the story to British broadcasters three years ago but was advised that, without a celebrity presenter, the show would never fly. David managed to make the film with the help of a crowdfunder appeal and his own savings. It has now been bought by national broadcasters in 30 countries.