Finland is an important and like-minded partner on the Arctic, and the UK shares Finland’s ambition to protect the Arctic’s climate, environment, and the rights of its inhabitants, and to maintain Arctic expertise, infrastructure and logistics. Finland’s 2021 Strategy for Arctic Policy places special emphasis on sustainable development and leading-edge research, and we would like to explore opportunities in areas of Finnish expertise, such as clean technologies and the bio-economy. Through this new framework, the UK will take a whole-of-government approach to the Arctic. Drawing on the diplomatic excellence of our Diplomatic Missions across the region, the defence capabilities of the UK’s Armed Forces, and the world-class scientific expertise of the UK Arctic research community, we will work with our partners and Allies to help maintain the Arctic as a place that is safe, secure, peaceful, and well-governed, protecting its environment and the communities who call the Arctic their home. UK priorities for the Arctic And changes to the Arctic will have profound consequences for the UK, for example increasing the frequency of extreme weather, flooding and denigration of our shared and valued biodiversity. Also in Venice at this time was John Montagu, Lord Brudenell; he was established in Venice by 21 st September 1758 and left on 24 th February 1760. Although Brudenell the patron is perhaps best known for the set of thirty-eight views of towns in Italy and southern France that he commissioned from Antonio Joli, probably in 1757, 26 he almost certainly acquired at this time the eight Guardis that passed by inheritance into the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch (only six of which now remain in that collection). Brudenell was an avid collector of Venetian vedute and indeed amongst a group of four works now generally attributed to Francesco Albotto is a view of the Rialto with the Palazzo Carmelenghi, a view taken from exactly the same spot as Guardi adopted for the pendant to the present work; in both cases the idea probably spawned from a Canaletto composition engraved by Visentini. The star Algol in the constellation of Perseus represents the glowing eye of Medusa from Greek mythology. Also designated Beta Persei, it is among the most accessible variable stars for skywatchers.

The Buccleuch Guardis are the key works in this early group given that they can now be securely dated. The eight views (six of which remain in the collection) were almost certainly commissioned by John Montagu, Lord Brudenell, later Marquess of Monthermer (1735-70) and passed to the Dukes of Buccleuch by inheritance. Brudenell's Guardis were undoubtedly acquired during his long sojourn in Venice from 21 st September 1758 to 24 th February 1760 and all of them must therefore date to this time, later than proposed by Goering and Morassi and more in line with Byam-Shaw, Mahon and, later, Dario Succi. Given that, by 1758, Guardi's style had thus not evolved nearly as far as Morassi and others thought, a dating of the Iveagh Guardis, which in their impressionistic handling are far removed from the Buccleuch paintings, to 1768 is far easier to argue for, at least on stylistic grounds. Climate change and the environment. Secondly, climate change. Without doubt, climate change poses the clearest and most significant existential threat to the Arctic as we currently know it. The Arctic is, first and foremost, a home to the people that live there. But climate change poses an existential threat to the Arctic as we know it, and to all who rely on its ecosystems and biodiversity. The UK and Norway are NATO Allies and close partners. It is a partnership rooted in shared polar heritage and history, but remains bound by continuing common interest. In March 2021 the UK and Norway signed an updated High Level Arrangement on Cooperation on Polar Affairs. Commitments included to work to identify opportunities for increased cooperation on Polar research, to work together to highlight the implications of climate change on the Polar Regions, and to identify projects to support Arctic Council activities where UK/Norwegian bilateral endeavours would be appropriate and of mutual benefit. It will underpin the next decade of cooperation between our two countries. In the coming years we hope to see cooperation broaden to include new areas, such as space collaboration and a joint focus on marine litter.We also recognise that the fragile Arctic environment must be protected against the impacts of increased activity in the region. Any development and economic activity in the region must be conducted to the highest standards, and in a safe and sustainable way to protect uniquely precious Arctic ecosystems. In January 2022, the UK and Greenland launched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to re-establish preferential bilateral trade and identify new areas of mutual interest for future cooperation and negotiations. Such an agreement could lay the ground for further cooperation on areas spanning minerals and energy to education and gender equality. The UK and Greenland also share best practice on fisheries management. Climate change poses an existential threat to the Arctic as we know it, and to the people that live there, and changes in the Arctic will have implications for the rest of the world. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) ‘Arctic Climate Change Update 2021 report’ [footnote 2] highlighted that the increase in Arctic annual mean surface temperature between 1971 and 2019 was three times higher than the increase in the global average during the same period. Further research has indicated the Arctic is now warming four times higher than the global average. we will reinforce our participation in multilateral fora and strengthen our bilateral relationships with our Arctic partners and Allies, exploring opportunities for achieving shared objectives

The US is a key NATO Ally and close partner for the UK. We share the vision of the recently published US National Strategy for the Arctic Region, for a region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and cooperative, where guardrails will manage competition and resolve disputes without force or coercion. F. Russell, "Guardi and the English Tourist," in The Burlington Magazine, vol. CXXXVIII, no. 114, January 1996, p. 10;

Scared Halls of Harmony

Drawing on our scientific, diplomatic and military strengths, the UK will work closely with our partners in the region to achieve our shared vision of a clean, green and stable Arctic. In 2021, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program reported that Arctic temperatures are increasing 3 times faster than the global average. A new study last year raised this to 4 times faster than the global average. On November evenings, the Andromeda Galaxy is positioned very high in the eastern sky. This large spiral galaxy, also designated Messier 31 (or M31) and NGC 224, is located 2.5 million light-years from us, and covers an area of sky measuring 3 by 1 degrees.

A. Morassi, Guardi. I dipinti, Venice 1973, vol. I, pp. 407-8, cat. no. 524, reproduced vol. II, fig. 510; Climate change is devastating Arctic ecosystems and communities. Sea ice and the Greenland ice sheet are rapidly melting. Permafrost is thawing. And nature is already showing signs of struggling to adapt. Migratory patterns are already shifting. The pact will speed up the pace of climate action this decade, with countries requested to revisit and strengthen their emission reduction targets in 2022, as well as developed countries agreeing to double support for action on adapting to climate change by 2025. C. Beddington, Venice . Canaletto and his Rivals, exhibition catalogue, London and Washington 2010-11, p. 134.

Conclusion. So to conclude: ‘Looking North’ sets out the UK’s approach to being a trusted and active partner on the Arctic. Looking North continues to be guided by these principles as we refresh the UK’s approach to the Arctic in response to observed geopolitical, climatic, and environmental changes, both across the Arctic and in the UK. This latest policy framework brings together all the UK’s policies and strategies relevant to the Arctic under a single, integrated framework. It outlines the full range of UK interests in the region, and sets out the long-term priorities and objectives which shape our engagement and actions on the Arctic. Our approach will remain dynamic and responsive to changes in the region and across the globe. The November Full Moon, traditionally known as the Beaver Moon or Frost Moon, always shines within or near the stars of Taurus and Aries. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) In the western sky on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, the very bright star Vega in the constellation of Lyra the Harp will be descending the western sky. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night)