The changes in the Arctic are relevant right here in the "North Star" state, where there's a rich tradition of polar exploration, as well as Arctic scientific and educational work. Canada and the United States have long collaborated in the Arctic as neighbours and friends. In the harsh environment of the Arctic, the two nations break ice for each other, fight forest fires, perform search and rescue, build transportation and technologi- cal infrastructure, and maintain a sophisticated system of early warning to reinforce continental security.