The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of 27 January, 2025
Kingdom of Denmark to Invest 14.6 Billion Kroner in Arctic Defense
On January 27, BBC reported that Denmark announced plans to significantly increase its investment in Arctic security, committing billions of dollars to enhance its military presence in the region. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The plan, developed in cooperation with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, includes three new Arctic navy ships, additional long-range drones with advanced imaging capabilities, and improved satellite capacity. A second agreement is expected later this year. (BBC)
Take 1: As competition for influence in the Arctic intensifies, the deal to bolster Danish defense readiness in the region aligns with broader NATO efforts to respond to the increasing militarization of the High North. The comprehensive package—consisting of three new Arctic navy vessels, long-range drones, and improved satellite capabilities—strengthens the Kingdom’s surveillance and defense posture while providing a clear answer to the renewed interest from the United States in acquiring Greenland, especially as US President Trump refused to rule out military intervention to achieve his goals. These assertions have heightened concerns within the Danish and Greenlandic governments regarding the sovereignty and security of the island, the latter remaining the responsibility of Denmark. In this context, Greenland’s Minister for Independence and Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, emphasized the importance of strengthening security in and around Greenland, acknowledging the changing threat landscape in the Arctic. The plan for increased Arctic defense spending was developed jointly with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which suggests a shift towards a more inclusive approach—one that recognizes the evolving role of these autonomous territories as stakeholders in Arctic defense rather than merely protected territories. By reinforcing its regional defense posture, Denmark not only seeks to deter external geopolitical pressures but also reassures Greenlandic and Faroese leaders that their security concerns can be addressed within the framework of the Kingdom. This, however, does raise questions about how future Greenlandic independence will reconcile with ongoing Danish security commitments. (Arctic Today, BBC, Danish Ministry of Defence, The Hill)
Inuit Circumpolar Council Warns Against the Sidelining of Inuit Populations
As shared by Eye on the Arctic on January 28,the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) issued a statement expressing concern over the marginalisation of Indigenous voices amid increased international interest in Greenland’s strategic assets. ICC Chair Sara Olsvig underlined that Inuit rights and their connection to the land should take center stage in discussions about Greenland’s future, and that Greenland must be recognised as an active participant in any decisions involving its land and resources. (Eye On The Arctic)
Take 2: The Inuit Circumpolar Council’s statement highlights the growing geopolitical interest in Arctic territories while reaffirming the fundamental role of Indigenous self-determination. As global powers continue to vie for strategic influence in the region, the ICC warns against the sidelining of Inuit voices, stressing that the Arctic is not merely a geopolitical asset but a homeland with its own people, governance, and agency. As such, the Council effectively challenges lingering colonial narratives and the tendency of external actors to frame Arctic resources as commodities rather than integral parts of Inuit sovereignty. Inuit self-determination is no longer an aspiration but a political reality. The appointment of Greenland’s Arctic ambassador and its leadership in the Arctic Council demonstrate that Indigenous governance structures are playing an increasingly prominent role in international Arctic cooperation, aligning with a broader global trend of Indigenous nations asserting their rights in decision-making. However, this agency is being tested by growing geopolitical competition. Trump’s 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland and the recent revival of this interest exemplify how major powers continue to view the Arctic through an extractive and security-driven lens. The ICC’s apprehensions are well-founded, as historical precedents illustrate the adverse effects of external geopolitical maneuvers on Indigenous communities—such as the forced relocations of Inuit populations in the mid-20th century, which resulted in significant cultural and social disruption. As geopolitical tensions mount, ensuring full Inuit participation in decisions concerning their lands and resources must remain the priority. (Eye on the Arctic, Institute for China-America Studies, Institute of International Affairs, Inuit Circumpolar Council)
Nordic Council of Ministers Launches Tenth Nordic Arctic Programme
On January 25, The Barents Observer reported that the Nordic Council of Ministers has announced a new Nordic Arctic Programme aimed at strengthening local communities and enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change. Over the next three years, the initiative will invest 30 million Danish Kroner (approximately €4 million) to tackle key social, economic, and environmental challenges in the region. (The Barents Observer)
Take 3: The Nordic Council of Ministers’ tenth Nordic Arctic Programme, launched during the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, places local communities and youth at the centerstage. It marks a significant step in addressing the region’s complex challenges while underscoring the Council’s recognition of the unique social, economic, and environmental hurdles facing Arctic inhabitants, particularly Indigenous populations and their youth. Indigenous communities have long been the stewards of the Arctic, combining traditional knowledge and cultural practices finely attuned to the region’s dynamics. However, these communities are also increasingly vulnerable to the compounded effects of climate change and external geopolitical pressures. By focusing on sustainable development, the initiative aligns with the Council’s broader goals of balancing preservation and development in the region. A notable aspect of the program is its support for the Arctic Youth Conference, highlighting the importance of engaging younger generations in shaping the Arctic’s future and ensuring their perspectives are central to policy and development strategies. However, the success of these initiatives depends on meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities. Historically, top-down approaches have often marginalized these groups, leading to solutions that may not necessarily fully align with local needs or respect traditional knowledge. To be effective, the program should foster inclusive dialogue, ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the core of decision-making processes. (Nordic Labour Journal, Nordic Cooperation, Nordic Cooperation)
Russian Nuclear Icebreaker Damaged by Collision with Cargo Ship
As reported by Newsweek on January 29, the Russian nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy sustained damage after colliding with the cargo ship Yamal Krechet during an attempt to free it from ice in the Kara Sea. The incident occurred as the freighter was en route to Sabetta, a major Russian Arctic port. The icebreaking vessel reportedly suffered damage to its power bow but remains operational, with no injuries or threats to its reactor unit. (Newsweek)
Take 4: While the icebreaker’s operator, Rosatomflot, reported that its reactors remained unharmed and the vessel’s seaworthiness intact, the incident underscores the mounting risks and environmental concerns associated with increased maritime activity in the Arctic. As sea ice recedes, previously inaccessible routes are becoming more navigable, resulting in a sharp increase in maritime activity, which in turn heightens the probability of accidents. The Arctic’s ecosystem is extremely fragile, and maritime accidents can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for marine life and local communities. The remoteness and harsh conditions of the Arctic significantly complicate response efforts, increasing the risk of prolonged environmental damage , particularly in the event of an oil spill. The collision also raises concerns about the safety protocols of vessels operating in such extreme environments. The 50 Let Pobedy, commissioned in 2007, is among Russia’s newer Arktika-class icebreakers, yet the incident suggests potential lapses in navigation or communication procedures. Much older vessels, which are less equipped to deal with the unique Arctic environment, are still operating in the region as well, so ensuring that crews are adequately trained and that vessels are built and equipped to handle the unique challenges of Arctic navigation is paramount to preventing accidents. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with Arctic maritime activities and reinforces the urgent need for stringent environmental safeguards, robust safety protocols, and international cooperation to protect the region’s ecosystem amidst increased human activity. (Environmental Science & Technology, Newsweek, ScienceDirect, The Barents Observer)
Greenland’s Crystal Blue Lakes Turn into Brown Carbon Dioxide Sources
LiveScience reported on January 24 that new research published in PNAS found that thousands of formerly clear Greenland lakes have turned brown and begun emitting carbon dioxide as a consequence of record heat and rain. Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Maine, the study found that in 2022, extreme warming melted permafrost, washing organic material into the lakes. This darkened the water, reducing sunlight penetration and disrupting the balance of carbon-absorbing plankton. By 2023, the lakes had effectively turned from carbon sinks into carbon sources. (LiveScience)
Take 5: The speed of this transformation in Greenland’s lakes is alarming on many levels. Changes of this magnitude typically unfold over centuries, but in this case, it occurred within a single year—underscoring the Arctic’s extreme sensitivity to climate fluctuations. The browning of the lakes not only degrades water quality, posing challenges for local communities that rely on them, but also accelerates climate change by releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This phenomenon is part of a broader pattern observed across the Arctic. Thawing permafrost and increased precipitation are causing some lakes to drain while others experience enhanced sedimentation, both of which disrupt local ecosystems and release stored carbon. The implications of these findings are profound, pointing to the potential for rapid, unforeseen environmental changes with cascading repercussions as well as the interconnectedness of climate systems. (Daily Galaxy, LiveScience, Phys.org, PNAS, Woodwell Climate Research Center)