The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of 5 September, 2022
Third Ice Patrol Ship Enters Service in Canadian Navy
As reported by Naval News on September 6, the Royal Canadian Navy received its third Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) from Irving Shipbuilding Inc. on September 2 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ice-capable ship, named HMCS Max Bernays, is one of six AOPS procured through Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. The vessels were designed to enhance the capabilities and operations of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Arctic. (Naval News)
Take 1: The increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic is a growing challenge for Canada. Russia’s testing and deployment of Arctic-based weapons systems, such as hypersonic missiles and undersea drones, is especially concerning as it poses a direct threat to the national security of Canada and its allies. Thus, the HMS Max Bernays is a strong addition to the Royal Canadian Navy as it serves to support a credible deterrence in the High North in light of these aggressive Russian developments. Besides the threat from Russia, the rapidly transforming Arctic has also exposed other security issues in the region. The versatility of the AOPS means that it is equipped to serve in various roles, such as search and rescue, disaster relief, and drug interdiction. Even so, the government states that the main purpose of its ice patrol ships is to “assert Canadian sovereignty” and conduct “sovereignty operations.” Such rhetoric on sovereignty preservation and strengthening can be dangerous. Although Canada has been strongly involved in international cooperation efforts, the focus on sovereign protection risks putting Canada and not the region as a whole at the center of attention. While measures like the HMS Max Bernays are vital to strengthening Canada’s Arctic defense, the shifting emphasis toward national security should not overshadow or detract from other Arctic priorities, especially environmental protection and the welfare of Indigenous communities. (Chatham House, Government of Canada, Polar Journal)
Svalbard Sets New Summer Temperature Record
As reported by The Barents Observer on September 2, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has confirmed that this summer was the hottest summer season on record for Svalbard. The average temperature for June, July, and August, measured at Svalbard airport, was 7.4℃ [45.32℉], which is 0.2 degrees above the previous temperature record from 2020. (The Barents Observer)
Take 2: Never before have higher summer temperatures been measured in Svalbard, and that is highly alarming. This summer joins the series of increasingly hot summers on Svalbard and illustrates the exceptional heating taking place in the Arctic, especially in the Barents Region. Global warming is rapidly reshaping the region with immense consequences. Melting sea ice reduces the Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight, receding glaciers contribute to sea level rise, and thawing permafrost can release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Importantly, all of these changes harm the health and well-being of the already vulnerable people, wildlife, and ecosystems in the region. The Arctic is not only a signifier but also an amplifier of global warming. So, as the Arctic melts, it further contributes to and accelerates climate change. For the Barents Region, the warming Arctic is expected to bring extreme weather and temperature changes, like the record summer heat, but also increased participation and flooding. These changes pose significant risks to people, communities, and infrastructure. Therefore, the new summer temperature record for Svalbard is yet another warning that addressing climate change in the Arctic must be a priority. (Norwegian Polar Institute)
First Energy Group Completes Exit From Russia
As reported by Reuters on September 2, the Norwegian energy company Equinor confirmed it had completed its exit from all Russian joint ventures, a process which began after the Ukraine invasion in February. The company announced that it has no more assets or projects in the country as it has finalized its divestment from the Arctic Kharyaga oilfield, which was its last remaining project with Russia. Equinor has transferred its previous Russian assets to the state-owned Rosneft. (Reuters)
Take 3:Equinor’s quick response in starting the process to exit its operations from Russia is commendable. Numerous Western companies have stakes in Russian joint ventures, especially in Arctic energy projects. With oil and gas accounting for about half of Russia’s exports, hydrocarbon revenue is essential for the Russian economy and contributes significantly to the budget. Such revenue also finances Russia’s war in Ukraine, where over 5,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and over 6 million have been displaced. As the war continues, energy companies have an obligation to cease their support of Russian oil and gas projects. While many companies, such as Shell and BP, have indicated that they plan to leave Russia, some have refused to divest. Notably, the major French oil and gas company TotalEnergies has decided to hold onto its Russian assets, despite criticism that the fuel for Russian fighter jets may be traced back to one of its gas fields. The company also has multibillion-euro investments in Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 2, two of the most important infrastructure developments along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which Russia sees as a significant new source of revenue. Without revenue from these projects, Russia may not be able to sustain its war in Ukraine or its increasing militarization in the Arctic. Therefore, as the first major energy group to completely exit from its Russian assets, Equinor serves as an example to other companies, especially TotalEnergies, who should follow suit. (Bloomberg, Le Monde, New York Times, Reuters)
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge
As reported by Undark Magazine on September 6, a new research paper published in The Science of Total Environment has found that research into mercury poisoning in the Arctic would have been impossible without the involvement of Indigenous communities. The paper studied 40 mercury projects conducted with or by Indigenous people and identified instances where Indigenous knowledge contributed to the understanding of mercury contamination. The researchers concluded that collaborative partnerships between scientists and Indigenous people are key for future monitoring activities in the Arctic. (Undark Magazine)
Take 4: Arctic research is increasingly focused on involving Indigenous communities through community-based research, but this goal remains a challenge. Too often, researchers do not invite Indigenous communities to participate, don’t consider their perspectives, or don’t design studies around the needs of the people. This can result in misguided solutions or research that local communities do not find helpful. As a collaborative partnership, community-based research addresses the social and cultural barriers that can confound the well-intentioned efforts of researchers and public health programs. It is built on the principles of respect, equity, and that both scientists and community partners can learn with and from each other. It also rests on the belief that community members have knowledge to contribute, and this paper provides clear evidence that this is the case. Indigenous knowledge is typically seen as different from science, but it is just as important because it stems from centuries of observations and direct interactions with the environment that have been passed across generations. Moreover, community-driven research better informs policies that address pressing issues for Indigenous peoples, such as that of mercury contamination, but also for example concerns over permafrost thaw and community health. Thus, the new paper is important as it highlights the value of contributions from Indigenous partners. As the central stakeholders in the Arctic, Indigenous communities must be a part of the research process. (Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research, University of Washington)
Two More Years for Norway’s Last Coal Mine
As reported by the Financial Times on September 2, Norwegian mining company Store Norke announced that it will extend the operation of Norway’s last remaining coal mine, Mine 7, until the summer of 2025. The mine, which is located on Svalbard, was set to close in the fall of 2023 due to the lack of profitability. However, the company has reached an agreement to export its coal for industrial production, citing changed economic situation from international developments. (Financial Times)
Take 5: Fossil fuels are one of the largest sources of pollutants in the Arctic. Burning fossil fuels, especially coal, release significant amounts of the short-lived climate pollutant “black carbon.” While airborne, black carbon is many times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the atmosphere. Later, when black carbon lands on snow and ice, the darkened surface absorbs more energy from sunlight. This causes the ice to melt faster and further exacerbates climate change. With most black carbon in the Arctic coming from Northern countries, reducing the burning of fossil fuels in this area is a critical priority. Moreover, dust particles from coal mining itself also reduce the ability of snow to reflect solar radiation, contributing to greater energy absorption and warming. One study, specifically on Mine 7 in Svalbard, has found that local coal dust around the mine reduced the snow’s reflectivity by up to 84% and that the coal dust near the mine has a concentration of black carbon that is 100 times more than the rest of the Arctic. Therefore, it is clear that Mine 7 and the industrial production that it supplies are major sources of extremely harmful pollutants. While the energy crisis and other developments may have made the mine profitable, Store Norke’s decision to prolong the operation of the mine for another two years is very damaging to the environment. (Inside Climate News, Undark Magazine)