The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of January 20, 2020

A New Study on Ozone Depleting Substances

On January 20, the journal Nature Climate Change published the findings of a new study conducted by Columbia University. The researchers examined the effect of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in climate simulations between 1955 and 2005. They discovered that up to fifty percent of the warming and sea-ice loss in the Arctic have been caused by these greenhouse gases (GHGs) that include organic chlorine and bromine compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The warming was caused by direct radiative warming not interactions with the ozone layer (nature, Royal Society of Chemistry, Science).

Take 1: The new study is of huge importance because in the past studies have mainly focused on the ODS’ effects on the planet’s protective ozone layer, especially on how they have created the ozone hole over Antarctica. ODS are powerful GHGs that can have a global warming potential almost 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide. However, the contribution to Arctic warming has never been quantified before now. While more research needs to be completed, this is a good step in determining what has contributed to Arctic amplification. If CFCs play as big of a role as this study says, it definitely highlights how important the 1987 Montreal Protocol will continue to be as a climate change-mitigation treaty. This treaty called for a phase-out of ODS, and is still in effect.

A New Person, Same Decisions

Last week, on January 15, Mikhail Mishustin was announced as Russia’s new prime minister. A couple days later Mishustin granted Gazprom Neft the right to develop the Khambateyskoye field in Yamal for gas, a field that is located partly on land and partly offshore in the Gulf of Ob. The cost for the production licenses is about 2 billion rubles, and the new resources can be connected to a projected natural gas pipeline that is planned to stretch eastwards across the Gulf of Ob (The Barents Observer, The Barents Observer).

Take 2: The decision for Mishustin to grant Gazprom Neft with the right to develop the Khambateyskoye field does not come as a surprise as it is well known to the rest of the world that Russia has a vested interest in the development of the north. The fact that this was one of Mishustin’s first actions as new prime minister only confirms how serious he and Russia is about this type of resource development in the Arctic. It comes at the same time when Russia is also getting ready to adopt its new Arctic law that will give tax cuts for offshore oil, LNG and the petrochemical industry in the Arctic. Once again it is clear where Russia’s interests lie.

New Institute Seeks to Expand Knowledge

On January 20, the Siberian Federal University in Russia released a press statement stating that they now accept students for September 2020 enrollment at the newly established North and Arctic Institute. Four main programs of studies will be offered: New industrial technologies and logistics, North and Arctic resource studies, North and Arctic regional studies, and Peoples of the North and Siberia. 300 students will be admitted for bachelor’s and specialist’s courses, 100 for the master’s course, and 10 people for postgraduate studies (Arctic.ru).

Take 3: The growing need to expand Arctic knowledge makes this new institute a welcomed endeavor. The four programs are a representation of what the current and future knowledge focus will be, and hopefully will inspire others to learn about the area. This comes at a vital time in the region’s history, as many countries now seek to expand into the region. Without more people invested in learning and preserving the area there is an increased risk that much might be lost.

Norway’s Arctic Exploration Set to Continue

On January 23, the Oslo Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit by Greenpeace and Nature & Youth that had sought oil and gas exploration. The lawsuit, started in 2016, claimed that new oil and gas exploration was a breach of the country’s constitution, which has certain environmental safeguards. The rejected appeal upholds a lower court’s ruling. The judges in their decision stated that exploration did not mean that any additional oil fields would be found, and they were also reluctant to intervene in legal government policy and decisions (Climate Change News).

Take 4: Greenpeace and Nature & Youth will continue the fight, appealing now to the Supreme Court. The basis for their argument is article 112 of the Norwegian constitution that articulates the right of a healthy environment for future generations. While the expectation remains that the lower court rulings will be upheld, their argument will be interesting to see. How much right do future generations have to current government policy?

It is Time for Arctic Frontiers

Next week, from January 26-30, the Arctic Frontiers conference will be held in Tromsø, Norway. With about 1000 participants from all over the world, this is one of the biggest Arctic conferences that are held each year. This year’s theme is “The Power of Knowledge”  and the conference will include a plenary with five main sessions (The State of the Arctic, Powered by knowledge, Resilient Arctic communities, Sustainable Arctic ocean and Future Arctic business) and over 35 side events (Arctic Frontiers).

Take 5: Arctic conferences like this are important because they provide a space for dialogue and communication between scientists, governments, civil society, and industry in the Arctic region. They have also become of interest to people, organizations and governments of non-Arctic states that see the increased strategic and economic importance of the region, and want to expand their influence. Others also see that many similar problems exist across regions, and that there is the possibility of increased cooperation and coordination in the future. One side event, called “Arctic-Himalaya Futures: Improving Scientific and Political Coordination and Cooperation,” will be held on Wednesday January 29 and seeks to establish long-term cooperation mechanisms between the Himalaya and Arctic regions. These two seemingly different yet very similar regions can come together and share inputs on common issues like climate change.