The King of Norway visited Anchorage on Wednesday bearing a message of goodwill, and the message that climate change is a priority for all Arctic nations.
After visiting the Anchorage Museum, the Norwegian monarch, King Harald V, spoke at a luncheon hosted by the Alaska World Affairs Council, where he urged the value of science and study in the far north:
“Research and reliable data is essential in our struggle against climate change. The projects at the poles give us valuable knowledge in finding solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
And to hit that point home, Harald reiterated the words of a famous Norwegian explorer:
“Roald Amundsen once said, I quote, ‘Victory awaits him who has everything in order. Luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time. This is called bad luck.’
“Take Amundsen’s advice seriously. Let no stone be unturned as you seek to increase our understanding about the Arctic. Work hard. Be prepared. And you will have, as Amundsen put it, good luck.”
Harald’s two-day visit to Alaska culminated today in Anchorage.
