Rapid warming in the Arctic is expected to cause biodiversity change. However, we are lacking basic understanding on how quickly different species adapt and will shift their distribution poleward. This knowledge gap hinders our ability to make precise predictions about the future state of the Arctic. As part of the advertised PhD project three key questions will be addressed: How can we learn from past species specific dispersal pattern inferred from proxy data to better understand and predict future change? How fast can Arctic species shift their distribution northwards to track preferred climate and ecological niches? Which arctic areas should we protect now to safeguard the long-term survival of arctic biodiversity?