The Arctic Is a Story Waiting to Be Told

Growing up in Germany, surrounded by stories of Arctic expeditions, exploration, and adventurers, the North always felt both distant and deeply fascinating to Johanna Franke. Today, working in Arctic communications in Iceland, she combines that lifelong curiosity with a passion for storytelling, marine protection, and connecting people to the realities of the region through media and outreach.

Tell us about yourself
I’m originally from Germany and grew up fascinated by stories of exploration and adventure, especially those connected to the Arctic and Antarctica. As a child, I travelled to Norway, Sweden, and Finland and became obsessed with the landscapes, the wildlife, reindeer, and the cultures of the North. Professionally, I’ve worked in communications and social media for around ten years now, which eventually led me into Arctic-related work and science communication.

What sparked your curiosity about the Arctic?
My curiosity about the Arctic started very early through books, documentaries, and stories about explorers and remote northern communities. I first came to Iceland on exchange because I thought I’d probably never get the chance to live there that affordably again. But once I arrived, something just clicked. I eventually returned to study my Master’s degree here.

What’s your current role?
I work as a Communications Manager, focusing heavily on social media, storytelling, and public outreach. I think many people underestimate how important communication is in Arctic and environmental work. Research alone isn’t enough, people need to hear the stories behind it, connect emotionally to issues, and understand why they matter. Social media can genuinely do a lot of good when used thoughtfully.

What projects excite you right now?
I’m especially excited about the Atlantic Plastics Symposium we’re currently planning, as well as the podcast projects we’ve been developing. I thought I would hate being on a podcast and talking, but the guests make it so easy.

‍One surprising fact more people should know?
I wish more people understood that the Arctic is not this distant, isolated place disconnected from the rest of the world.What happens there affects global systems, ecosystems, weather, oceans, biodiversity, and communities far beyond the North itself.

‍Biggest challenge today?
For me, one of the biggest challenges is the growing mistrust in science and the increasing division within societies. We’re living in a time where communication, misinformation, and polarisation shape how people engage with environmental issues, sometimes even more than the science itself.

‍Your advice to young people?
Participate in whatever opportunities you can find. Attend conferences, volunteer, join projects, talk to people, and put yourself out there. A lot of opportunities come through relationships, networks, and simply being present long enough for people to recognise your passion and commitment.

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Lightning Round:

What keeps you motivated?
A mix of naïveté and genuinely wanting to make the world a little better, especially for animals and the environments they depend on.

Who inspired you?
My family. Professionally: people like Jane Goodall, Paul Rosolie, who are (or were) out there and fought for a good cause.

Favourite memory?
Showing Iceland to my grandmother and watching the Northern Lights together. We stood outside looking up at the sky, trying to recognise shapes of animals and people in the lights. It’s one of those moments that stays with you.

Favourite Arctic food/drink?
Icelandic chocolate milk.

And one sentence to describe the Arctic?
A way of life.

Book Recommendation
Jungle Keepers by Paul Rosolie

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