The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of January 28, 2019

The Superbug Gene Makes its Way to the Arctic

On January 28, the journal Environment International published a study revealing that antibiotic-resistant Superbug genes have been detected in the High Arctic. The genes originated in India, with one being recently discovered in New Delhi in 2008. In 2013, the research team collected 40 soil samples from eight locations in Svalbard. The sites were chosen due to their remote nature, having a small human presence but no agriculture or industry. DNA was extracted from the soil samples, enabling scientists to identify 131 antibiotic resistant genes. The scientists did not detect any resistant bacteria. The study confirms that antibiotic resistance can spread around the world in a short amount of time (CNN, Independent).

Take 1: While the study confirms that there are no health-related implications of finding antibiotic resistant genes in the Arctic, it does show the importance of sanitation. The germs in the Arctic most likely got there as a result of faecal matter or contaminated water. Developing countries with poor sanitation systems can have a global effect, and every effort must be made to develop the sanitation infrastructures of these countries. Sanitation plays a role in reducing the transmission of these genes, decreasing chances of getting into water supplies and potentially creating resistant bacteria in the future.

A Warm Summer in the Canadian Arctic

This week media outlets reported that researchers have published a report in Nature Communications showing that Canada’s Arctic areas have not seen temperatures this warm for at least 115,000 years. As a result of the warming temperatures, new landscapes are becoming exposed. In order to come to this conclusion, the researchers studied geographic anomalies and ancient ice on Canada’s Baffin Island. The team collected data from mosses and lichens in the newly exposed landscape. They then conducted radiocarbon dating to create a timeline of the last time the land was exposed. The researchers then proceeded to cross-reference the results with other sources, such as ice measurements from Greenland and determined that the current Arctic summer temperatures are now higher than in the past (SPUTNIK, xinhuanews).

Take 2: The scientists’ data prove that regardless of what is causing the warmth, the planet is warming up. How melting ice or exposed land will affect the ecosystems or indigenous communities in these areas remains to be seen. Yet, at the rate the melt is occurring it is bound to have an effect on the people and animals that have depended on the ice for their livelihoods. This type of data can help policy makers in planning and preparing for future issues and should not be ignored.

ARCSAR Ready for Launch

On January 29, it was announced that the ARCSAR project is almost ready to be launched. It is a five-year international network project about search, rescue and oil spill protection in the Arctic, and the EU has allocated NOK 35 million (EUR 3.6 million) for its duration through the Horizon 2020 program. The project will be led by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center North Norway, and will have 13 countries and 21 partners participating in 19 joint meetings. The participants include actors like universities, coast guards, joint rescue coordination centers and cruise operators, and the goal is to both encourage actors to allocate more resources for when incidents occur, and inform relevant end users about the outcomes of the project (ARCSAR, High North News).

Take 3: The ARCSAR project is of great importance. The Arctic region has seen a substantial increase in cruise traffic, petroleum activities and fisheries the last couple years. Traffic and activity will only continue to increase the next couple years due to continued ice melt that makes previously inaccessible areas accessible. This puts a greater demand on capacity and extent when it comes to search and rescue operations in the region. A project like ARCSAR will help to save lives in the future.

Exercise Clockwork Continues

This week, 800 Royal Marines from the British Armed Forces arrived in Norway and will be taking part in Exercise Clockwork. The annual multinational exercise hosted by the Norwegians has been held since 1969, and is set 200 miles (322 km) inside the Arctic Circle. The exercise comprises of Environmental Flying Qualifications, Cold Weather Survival, Tent Group Commander and Snow, and Ice Driving Courses (FORCES Network).

Take 4: Exercise Clockwork seeks to strengthen Britain’s Arctic capabilities, and comes at a time in which Russia is building bases in the region. Yet, the exercise is not new. This year marks its 50th anniversary. Exercises like these are a testimony of the strength of strong collaboration between allies and speak of continual need to invest in more multinational training opportunities. The skill sets and techniques learned here are vital for future joint operations in the harsh Arctic environment.

Russian Strategic Bomber Crashes in Murmansk

Last week a Russian TU-22M3 Backfire strategic bomber crash-landed in the Murmansk region of the Arctic, resulting in the deaths of 3 of its 4-person crew with the last crewmember still being hospitalized. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the crash occurred during a blizzard while the plane was trying to land. No weapons were being carried by the bomber at the time, and an investigation has begun. Aviation experts believe that the crash is a result of vertical wind gusts that hit the plane as it was beginning to land (AirForceTimes, The Barents Observer, The Sun).

Take 5: Accidents like this, while unfortunate, will become more and more a reality as countries invest greater resources and personnel into Arctic areas. The hostile environment and the quickly changing weather conditions must not be underestimated. Having proper plans and well-trained personnel in place will help to reduce and mitigate the risks but risks will always remain. The hope from an accident like this is first that it never happens with a nuclear capable bomber loaded with an active payload, and second that it motivates militaries to improve training and flight planning.