I like the compactness of the logo and less is more feel. If more emphasis is placed on the arctic / pacific rim or Alaska focus of the institute, it would communicate our mission better. Green is not as important as balance between man made and natural.
Please consider adding a northern hemespshere over the top to represent the Northern and Arctic Focus. Change the leaf inside into a fish or a whale. Without these changes, the logo would not work. Imperative ideas to communicate is Norther / Arctic focus, balance between natural and man-made (not green per-se).