The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of September 9, 2019
New Canadian Arctic Policy Released
On September 10 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government released its new Arctic and Northern policy framework. The framework is considered the first phase of a longer process that seeks to replace Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 2009 Northern Strategy and the Harper government’s 2010 Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy. The core of the framework revolves around 8 goals and 10 principles focusing on local and regional economic development, infrastructure, indigenous rights, environmental protection, national defense and foreign policy (CBC, Government of Canada).
Take 1: The framework for the policy came out two months later than originally expected with no fanfare. Critics claim that since the framework has no implementation plan or governance measures, it really doesn’t amount to much. Yet, even if it’s a little sparse on the details, the government was able to get input from northern governments and indigenous organizations. This input is valuable and necessary in creating a long-term area plan. With the first phase complete, perhaps the government will be able to implement and develop greater details to the plan. Developing those details remains absolutely necessary for real compromise to occur and for real actions to be taken.
The Northern Sea Route is Now Home to Microplastics
This week it was reported that during the Transarktika 2019 expedition, Russian scientists discovered that the whole Northern Sea Route is littered with microplastics. As part of the expedition, the Professor Multanovskiy vessel set sail from Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean to Murmansk. In both the Kara Sea and the Barents Sea, the vessel discovered large deposits of microplastics. The final results of the expedition are expected to be complete in a few months time (High North News).
Take 2: Wow, not surprising, but wow. The trail of plastics, including microplastics, continues to spread and cause greater damage to areas. Dedicated expeditions like the Transarktika 2019 expedition helps get a better understanding of how plastics in general have a global effect. Yet, what is the next step? We know plastic is there so what are countries going to do about it? The answer is most likely nothing. States are so focused on their internal affairs that they are forgetting their global responsibilities.
United States House Votes to Reinstate Oil Drilling in Alaska
On September 12, the Democratic led U.S House of Representatives voted 225-193 in favor of reinstating a decades-long ban on oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The action is seen as mostly symbolic as the Republican led Senate is not expected to take action on the bill (Fox News).
Take 3: Republicans, including three of Alaska’s congressional delegation, claim that drilling can be done in a safe manner with newer technology. Even local Native American groups support drilling as it can help to bring revenue to much needed areas. While their support for drilling does not justify drilling in such a pristine area, all sides must look at the reasons, the positive and negative outcomes, and make decisions that will benefit the region long-term.
Increased Arctic Activity Affects the Natural Chemistry of The Area
This week a team of scientists from Penn State, the University of Michigan, Purdue University and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks discovered that increased shipping activity in the Arctic has led to higher levels of atmospheric chlorine over a remote site in Alaska. The scientists monitoring the sight attribute this to increasing levels of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant that is produced by the burning of fossil fuel. Nitrogen dioxide undergoes various reactions in the atmosphere. These reactions have been linked to increasing Arctic warming (PennState).
Take 4: While the new findings provide important insights, additional studies are still needed to understand the impact and the extent of how burning fossil fuels change the natural chemistry of the Arctic. What is certain is that shipping traffic will continue to increase. Whether its increased tourism or resource extraction, the increased level of activity needs to be better monitored.
Russians Northernmost Point is now Marked by a Russian Flag
Earlier this month in a cape situated 81.5 degrees North on the island of Rudolf, called Cape Fligeli, Russia installed its flag. The Northern Fleet installed the flag as part of its “historical-patriotic expedition” to the area. The expedition was meant to symbolize peaceful exploration and development in the Arctic and was set to mark the 145th year anniversary of the island’s discovery (The Barents Observer).
Take 5: With a symbolic gesture, Russia continues to show its desire to continue to explore and invest in the Arctic. Science and exploration in the area is a common goal that the U.S., Russia and other major stakeholders can agree upon. The hope is that such symbolic actions are followed by goodwill and cooperation among all interested groups and states.