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Assessing the sustainable development of megaprojects in the Circumpolar North involves looking at socio-economic and environmental impacts, while studying the processes that enable citizen participation. Two megaprojects in Iceland and Canada are evaluated through these lenses, and lessons learned are derived for the sustainable planning of future megaprojects. The publication is available online.

"Mega-project planning in the Circumpolar North - broadening the horizon, gaining insight, empowering local stakeholders" is a publication which aimed at assessing the planning processes of Arctic mega-projects in the light of sustainable development, commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The project compares two case studies: the construction of Kárahnjúkar hydro project and an Alcoa aluminium smelter in East Iceland and the development of the Kearl Oil Sands near Wood Buffalo, in Alberta, Canada. The comparison investigates the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of mega-projects in the Circumpolar North, as well as participation in the planning process. The authors derive insights and lessons learnt as regards sustainable planning of mega-projects for the benefit of decision-makers and the general public. The report can be downloaded. Supplemental resources regarding the publication can be found on the project website.