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Home , Arctic policy of Iceland, Caspian Sea, Far North (Russia), Kereks, Leona Aglukkaq, Saami Council

MAGAZINE Permanent Participants’ Perspective 16 No. 1 A regional approach for the 20 2015 THE CIRCLE Renewable energy in the north 24

ARCTIC COUNCIL’S NEW CHAIR WHAT IS USA BRINGING TO THEWHERE TABLE? WILL THE USA TAKE THE ?

PUBLISHED BY THE WWF GLOBAL ARCTIC PROGRAMME THE CIRCLE 1.2015 USA ARCTIC COUNCIL CHAIR

Contents EDITORIAL Time for all nations to act on recommendations 3 IN BRIEF 4 LEONA AGLUKKAQ Improving the lives of Northerners 6 ROBERT J. PAPP leadership in the Arctic 7 ALEKSI HÄRKÖNEN Finland on deck 9 ANDREA CHARRON , the Arctic Council and rough 10 Canada versus USA 14

PERMANENT PARTICIPANTS’ PERSPECTIVE Focus on marine environment 16 Cooperation, , cutting through geopolitics key to upcoming term 17 Put energy into energy 18 Expectations for the US chairmanship 19

BROOKS ­YEAGER A regional seas approach for the Arctic: what does it mean? 20 TOM ARMSTRONG U.S. action needed 22 KLAUS DOHRING Renewable energy in the – is it feasible? 24 SANTINA GAY and RODERICK PHILLIP Towards a sustainable future 26 JOHN WALSH and LARRY HINZMAN Opportunities, Challenges, Responsibilities 28 EIRIK SIVERTSEN For people and the environment 30 THE PICTURE 32

The Circle is published quar- Publisher: Editor in Chief: Clive Tesar, COVER: Arctic US flag. terly by the WWF Global Arctic WWF Global Arctic Programme [email protected] Illustration: Ketill Berger, filmform.no. Programme. Reproduction and 8th floor, 275 Slater St., Ottawa, quotation with appropriate credit ON, Canada K1P 5H9. Managing Editor: Becky Rynor, ABOVE: Melting iceberg on coast are encouraged. Articles by non- Tel: +1 613-232-8706 [email protected] Qaanaaq, , Photo: Staffan Widstrand / WWF affiliated sources do not neces- Fax: +1 613-232-4181 sarily reflect the views policies Design and production: of WWF. Send change of address Internet: www.panda.org/arctic Film & Form/Ketill Berger, and subscription queries to the [email protected] address on the right. We reserve ISSN 2073-980X = The Circle the right to edit letters for publica- Printed by St. Communications tion, and assume no responsibil- Date of publication: ity for unsolicited material. March, 2015. Thank you for your interest in The Circle. Many of our ­subscribers have moved to an e-version. To receive an electronic copy in your email 2 The Circle 1.2015 instead of a paper copy, please write to us at [email protected] and help us reduce our costs and footprint. EDITORIAL

Time for all nations to act on recommendations

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT YEAR for the Arctic. Every two issues and policy actions require national implementation years, the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council rotates and which is often patchy at best. WWF believes it is time for the eight Arctic states and six Arctic Indigenous peoples’ Arctic nations to take seriously the reports the Council organizations that comprise the Council have an opportu- commissions – and the policy recommendations that nity to review and renew their collective vision of the far accompany them – by developing national implementa- north. tion plans that respond with appropriate urgency. We welcome the decision of the incoming Arctic However, responsibility for the Arctic does not end Council chair, the United States government, to offer a with its peoples and states. Countries such as China, comprehensive public outline of what it would like the South and India that have recently come on board Council to focus on over the next two years. A major fea- as observers also have an important role to play. That ture of its agenda is the tantalizing prospect of a regional should include proving their concern for the Arctic envi- seas agreement for the Arctic, something that could help ronment by playing a constructive part in other interna- settle long-standing thorny questions of how states could tional fora. For instance, the second part cooperate and harmonize their of the International approach to the waters Maritime Organiza- that many of them share. A FIRM AND BOLD COMMITMENTS tion’s Polar Code will focus on renewable energy for TO LIMIT EACH NATION’S soon be negotiated. the Arctic is an equally crucial GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS So far, this process component of the agenda and in has failed to address this issue we profile the example WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO some serious envi- already being set by an Alaskan ADDRESSING MANY OF THE ronmental issues MARCO LAMBERTINI is village. ISSUES FACING THE ARCTIC associated with Director General, WWF International As an observer, WWF doesn’t Arctic shipping such get to play an official role in the as the use and car- negotiations on the ministerial statement, but we cer- riage of polluting heavy fuel oils, along with provisions to tainly make our opinions heard. WWF has put forward prevent from being introduced to the its position on the US proposals, which can be found on Arctic by . our website at panda.org/ministerial. However, one of Another obvious example where all Arctic coun- the biggest changes we would like to see can’t be made tries and observers must commit without hesitation is by the chair, or by the Council operating as a collec- the upcoming global negotiations in Paris for a much- tive. It is a change that each member state must take on needed, strong climate agreement. Firm and bold com- as a national responsibility. For many years, the Arctic mitments to limit each nation’s greenhouse gas emissions Council has produced fine reports compiling the state would go a long way to addressing many of the issues of knowledge on Arctic issues from climate change to facing the Arctic. This will provide a powerful example for ocean acidification to Arctic . These outstand- the rest of the world – which should care as much as the ing reports come with a series of recommendations, also Arctic nations about the future of this inspirational, vital often excellent. But there the process breaks down, as the and fragile global linchpin.

The Circle 1.2015 3 IN BRIEF

caribou management plans. “King Salmon”. WWF supports These measures combined Bristol , can help ensure that caribou , USA. Baffin Island will be part of the diet of caribou harvesting future generations of and Northerners.” moratorium Baffin Island is the fifth largest island in the world, THE GOVERNMENT of Nuna- covering more than 500,000 vut in has square kilometres, making it placed a moratorium on slightly larger than Spain. hunting caribou on Baffin Island, effective January 1, 2015. The decision is in keep- ing with ’s wildlife conflict co-management system of combining best available sci- hits record high in

Photo: Chris Ford, Creative Commons, Flickr.com ence and traditional and local knowledge. Greenland Protection for America’s fish basket “This is a decision that A NEW WWF REPORT shows needed to be made,” says increasing numbers of polar U.S. PRESIDENT Barack Obama that witness salmon runs of David Miller, President and bears are being killed in self- has used a Presidential Memo- over 37 million fish each year. CEO of WWF-Canada. “We defence in Greenland. The randum to ban future oil and The bay supports 31 Alaska appreciate that making this loss of ice habitat is push- gas drilling in Bristol Bay, Native Villages, creates more decision was not easy, know- ing the bears into communi- Alaska. Bristol Bay is one than 12,000 jobs for fishermen ing how important caribou ties where they are coming of the most productive wild and processors, and provides harvesting is to Nunavut into increasing conflict with salmon fisheries in the world millions of dollars in jobs for families, many of whom are people. The situation is and the last pristine salmon commercial fishermen. suffering from insecure food particularly critical in East in . “The Obama Administra- sources.” Greenland. Nearly 50 per cent of the tion’s decision to protect Bris- Caribou across the Arctic In the first nine months world’s wild sockeye salmon tol Bay is a huge win for both face numerous pressures to of 2014, twelve polar bears comes from these waters. Bristol Bay fishermen and the their long-term survival. The were shot in self-defence in Environmental groups and ’s coastal communities” latest draft Nunavut Land Greenland. That is the high- Native Alaskans have been said Margaret Williams, Man- Use Plan proposed in 2014 by est figure ever recorded. working for years to secure aging Director of the WWF US the Nunavut Planning Com- Reductions in sea ice mean protection for the area. Arctic Program mission does not exclude the bears have fewer oppor- “Because of the great work The U.S. President protected industrial development from tunities to hunt ringed seals, that was done by local com- the 52,234 square miles of caribou calving and post- their primary prey. The hun- munities, Native Alaskans, Bristol Bay under the Outer calving areas. gry bears then tend to move folks who cared about making Continental Shelf Lands Act. “It is difficult to imagine towards land and will prowl sure that we preserved this The President’s announce- how caribou populations villages in search of food. In natural wonder for genera- ment does not, however, apply are going to thrive over the the East Greenland village tions to come, we were able to mining, and as a result long-term without protect- of Ittoqqortoormiit, polar to take action that is going to will not affect hotly contested ing their most important bears have been spotted in take Bristol Bay off the bidders plans for Pebble Mine, a giant habitat,” says Paul Crowley, or around the community and make sure that it open-pit gold and copper mine Director of Arctic Programs several times a week, says the is preserved into the future,” proposed for the Bristol Bay for WWF-Canada. “The next report, which focuses spe- Obama said. region. steps should be to strengthen cifically on conflicts between Bristol Bay is home to rivers protection in the Land Use people and bears in Ittoqqor- Plan and adopt long-term toormiit.

4 The Circle 1.2015 IN BRIEF

Denmark lays legal claim to Lomonosov Ridge Denmark, Canada and claim THE TINY Scandinavian nation people on a geopolitical col- that the Lomonosov Ridge connects of Denmark has announced lision course with far bigger their territory to the North Pole. RUSSIA it will join the battle brewing countries, including Canada over who owns the and Russia, both holding under the North Pole. The legitimate claims on the area International Business Times as well. reports this new claim could “It’s important to mention lay the groundwork for a fight that we’re only talking about with far more powerful states the seabed,” said Alexander over the resources that may Shestakov, an environmental be untapped at the top of the law expert and director of the CANADA Lomonosov Ridge world. Several other nations World Wildlife Fund’s Global with an Arctic Ocean Arctic Programme. “This have made similar claims, claim does not affect the including Russia’s planting of water column or the use of GREENLAND a flag in the seabed in 2007. the water, which stays under (Denmark) The claim is based on the international law. They only continental shelf of Green- have rights to the seabed, land, an autonomous country meaning no one has an exclu- within the Danish kingdom, sive right over the North Pole Adapted from Vital Arctic Graphics, UNEP GRID Arendal, extending from its eastern as we know it.” Arctic coast toward the The geological feature that Ridge, a 2,000km (1,240- way to the shores of the Rus- North Pole. The newspaper connects Greenland to the mile) underwater mountain sian Federation’s own conti- says the claim may put the areas around the North Pole range that extends from nental shelf, giving all three a small country of 5.6 million is known as the Lomonosov Canada and Greenland all the potential claim.

“It is a serious problem, patroller to chase bears from was immediately followed by to a renewable economy has which has long been over- town. the release of blocks within been postponed and it’s full looked. People are worried WWF has already helped the newly unprotected zone throttle toward the north. about encountering one local communities in other for licencing. The This is totally unacceptable” of the polar bears that are parts of the Arctic to better announcement was ironically The announcement of increasingly coming right deal with human-bear con- made during the Norwegian petroleum licenses defies into town”, says Charlotte M. flict. “Arctic Frontiers” meeting clear advice from the scien- Moshøj, a WWF biologist and where government ministers tific authorities at Norway’s author of the report. were announcing plans for Environment Directorate and Recommendations in the sustainability in the Arctic. the Norwegian Polar Insti- report include: Moving the “The government is willing tute. Both have strongly dis- ■■ Ensure waste and dog to put nature on the line to couraged petroleum activities food are stored in a way that goalposts look for more oil and gas,” in the area along the ice edge doesn’t attract bears NORWAY’S Climate and Envi- says WWF Norway Conserva- and point out that knowledge ■■ Organize a formal polar ronmental Minster, Tine tion Director Arild Skedsmo. about species and bear patrol to scare bears Sundtoft, has redefined what “It is showing that it does in this area of the Barents away from towns area of the North Barents not intend to follow its own Sea is very lacking. What is ■■ Install electric fences Sea would be protected, on promises of restructuring known is that this ice edge around town dumps the grounds that the ice edge and lifting Norway out of oil area is the most productive ■■ hire a dedicated polar bear has moved north. The move dependency. Any transition part of the ecosystem.

The Circle 1.2015 5 OUTGOING CHAIR: Improving the lives of Northerners Leona Aglukkaq across the Arctic. The AEC will serve as enable communities to improve support a fundamental mechanism to facilitate for mental wellness and resiliency of S CANADA APPROACHES the Arctic-to-Arctic collaboration between their residents. I am especially looking conclusion of its two-year Arc- business leaders by providing a forum to forward to the Mental Wellness Sympo- tic Council Chairmanship, I’m discuss common challenges, share best sium taking place in , Nunavut in proud to say we have worked practices and look for business opportu- March which will focus on working with to directly improve the lives of nities to develop and benefit the North. communities to advance efforts in men- ANortherners and foster environmentally The AEC will also serve as a link tal wellness intervention. responsible development throughout between business and government Another key priority of Canada’s the Arctic. by enabling businesses to inform the Chairmanship has been to incorporate Following my appointment as Min- work of the Arctic Council. Addition- traditional and local knowledge more ister for the Arctic Council in August ally – and this will be key to its success effectively into the Council’s ongoing 2012, I consulted with Northerners – Arctic Indigenous peoples have rep- work. This knowledge has helped Indig- from across the Arctic and their mes- resentation on the AEC, which ensures enous peoples survive for millennia, sage was clear: the well-being and pros- that those living in the North are active and helps us understand changes in the perity of the people living in the North participants in decisions affecting their region. The value of traditional knowl- must be the top priority for the Council. communities. edge is immense. By better incorporat- For this reason, Canada’s Chairman- The AEC’s work is forging ahead, and ing it into decision making processes we has focused Arctic Council work on it has now established working groups will ultimately see better results for the the theme, “Development for the People on responsible resource development, Arctic and the people who live there. of the North.” maritime transportation and steward- The importance of traditional knowl- There have been more than a few ship in the Arctic. edge was recently highlighted in the examples of the projects that we have Development has many aspects, search for Sir ’s ships developed over the including economic, social and environ- from his failed 1845 voyage. One of LEONA AGLUKKAQ is course of our two- mental. These elements should all be his ships, HMS Erebus, was found just the Conserva- year chairmanship, considered as we work to achieve sus- off the coast of my hometown of Gjoa tive Canadian reflecting this over- tainable Arctic communities. Haven, Nunavut (see p. 32). For gen- Member of arching agenda. With this is mind, Canada is also erations of oral history, Inuit have said Parliament A key priority has working with its Arctic Council part- the location was near King William for the riding of been the establish- ners to promote mental wellness across Island, which is exactly where Erebus Nunavut and Minister ment of the Arctic the North. The goal of this project is was found. This emphasizes for the Arctic. Economic Council to identify and share best practices to the strength and importance traditional (AEC), which held knowledge plays in shaping not only its inaugural meet- MANY ECONOMIC AND our past, but also our present and our ing in September 2014. Many economic future. Successes such as these should and social challenges including high SOCIAL CHALLENGES make Inuit and all Arctic Indigenous costs of living, skilled labour short- INCLUDING HIGH COSTS peoples proud. ages, and extreme weather are common Over the course of Canada’s two-year across the Arctic. From my travels, it OF LIVING, SKILLED Chairmanship, we have also advanced became clear to me that we often do the Council’s work on other key issues, not share information well between LABOUR SHORTAGES, including climate change, biodiversity Arctic peoples. Often times when we conservation, and shipping safety. face a challenge, someone somewhere AND EXTREME WEATH- These actions range from developing a else in the Arctic has already faced that ER ARE COMMON framework for action to reduce black same challenge and has a solution. carbon and methane emissions in the Rather than reinvent the wheel, we, as ACROSS THE ARCTIC. Arctic to a new action plan to enhance a Council, should foster collaboration oil pollution prevention.

6 The Circle 1.2015 Photo: Mads Pihl / Destination Photo: Mads Pihl / Destination Inuit children, Greenland. A fundamental objective of our Chair- manship has been to strengthen the INCOMING CHAIR: Arctic Council. This included enhanc- ing the capacity of the six Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations to contribute to the Council’s work. The Permanent Participants have a unique United States and fundamental role at the Council – they are at the table with the Arctic States to ensure that they are involved in decisions affecting their communi- leadership in the Arctic ties. As we move towards the end of our Robert J. Papp, Special Representative the U.S. portion of the Arctic. My first Chairmanship, we are working closely for the Arctic Region assignment was aboard a with our neighbour and the incoming cutter homeported in Adak, Alaska, in Chair, the United States, to advance our HEN I BECAME the first the Aleutian Island chain. During this shared priorities for the Arctic region. United States Special Rep- assignment, I saw first-hand what the I look forward to welcoming our Arc- resentative for the Arctic in Arctic was all about. At the end of my tic Council partners to Iqaluit in April July 2014, I had just retired career, I oversaw the completion of the for the ninth Ministerial Meeting, where from nearly 40 years in the first-ever Coast Guard Arctic Strategy, we will highlight our accomplishments, WUnited States Coast Guard, finishing an achievement I’m very proud of and and chart a path for the next two years my career as the 24th Commandant. that has served our country well. and beyond. Ironically, I both started and ended Now I have the great fortune to lead my Coast Guard service focusing on U.S. Arctic diplomacy and prepare for ➤

The Circle 1.2015 7 the United States’ chairmanship of the a number of new initiatives: Arctic Arctic Council. I feel very privileged to IMPROVING ECONOMIC Ocean safety, security and stewardship; do so at such an important time in the improving economic and living condi- history of the Arctic region. Not since AND LIVING CONDITIONS tions; and addressing the impacts of the has IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR climate change. ADMIRAL ROBERT there been such a The Arctic Ocean is still relatively J. PAPP, JR., focus on the Arctic THE UNITED STATES unstudied as compared to the other USCG (Ret.) and the critical . We want the Council to support is the US role it plays in the scientific research cooperation through State Depart- world. The Arctic nomic needs. We will follow Canada’s a binding agreement that would reduce ment's Special Council – the only leadership and many of its priorities barriers to access for ships, equip- Representative for the forum focused sole- as we take the chair on April 25, 2015. ment, research teams, samples and Arctic. ly on the circum- Our chairmanship theme, “One Arctic: other logistical issues, and at the same polar Arctic – has Shared Opportunities, Challenges, and time explore whether a Regional Seas evolved in encour- Responsibilities,” reflects the fact that Program for the Arctic Ocean might aging ways to help although there are many dimensions to further cooperation on research priori- Arctic governments and residents meet the Arctic, in the end it is one region of ties and joint efforts. We want to shine a new challenges. peace, stability and cooperation. light on the emerging problem of ocean As chair, Canada has done a fantastic We see three general sub-themes acidification – a direct consequence of job of raising public awareness about logically flowing from the overarching climate change that is happening more Arctic indigenous peoples and their eco- theme under which we will organize intensively in the Arctic Ocean than Photo: Patrick Kelley, U.S. Coast Guard Photo: Patrick Kelley, The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St-Laurent ties up to the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy in the Arctic Ocean Sept. 5, 2009. The two ships are taking part in a multi-year, multi-agency Arctic survey that will help define the Arctic continental shelf.

8 The Circle 1.2015 anywhere else owing to its cold temper- atures. With the ever-increasing human NEXT CHAIR: presence in the Arctic Ocean, we plan to hold tabletop and live exercises among the Coast Guards and rescue services to ensure we are all prepared for the natu- ral and/or man-made disasters that are Finland on deck all but inevitable. Improving economic and living In 2017, Finland will take its turn as the next Arctic state to conditions is a high priority for the chair the Arctic Council. ALEKSI HÄRKÖNEN says intensified United States because all of the Arctic cooperation between the Arctic states is crucial to meet States have citizens living there, albeit in different circumstances. Much of this new era of challenges in the far north. the Nordic Arctic is well-developed; generally speaking, the Saami Indig- enous peoples enjoy better economic FINLAND´S LONG-STANDING priorities in have become accustomed to? and living conditions than Indigenous Arctic activities are to preserve the Arc- The first two decades of Arctic peoples in the United States, Canada, tic environment, to encourage economic cooperation have Denmark/Greenland and Russia. Our activity based on sustainable develop- produced some ALEKSI HÄRKÖNEN communities are largely remote, often ment, and to safeguard the stability of important results, is Finland´s poverty-stricken, and lacking in some the Arctic region in cooperation with in no small part due Ambassador of the most basic human needs such as other countries and actors. We trust to the participation for Arctic access to clean water, indoor plumbing that these are goals that all Arctic states of Indigenous peo- Affairs and sewage services, reliable, afford- can share. ples. The Saami are able electricity and fuel, and good jobs. Finland as a whole is an Arctic coun- the only Indigenous These conditions contribute to physical try while Finns make up one third of people in the European Union, and and mental health problems, and even- the world’s population living above the their organizations are actively involved tually to high suicide rates, especially 60th parallel. For Finland, coopera- in Finland and elsewhere in Northern in men and boys. We hope that all eight tion through the Arctic Council and . But clearly there are still many Arctic States will join us in exploring the Barents Euro-Arctic Council has issues to be resolved, including some solutions to these problems, including been a welcome addition to our foreign that are just emerging. The last thing we testing and deploying new technologies policy for the past two decades. Finland would want is an international atmos- through public/private partnerships, was one of the initiators, starting in phere where badly needed next steps in encouraging foreign direct investment 1991, of Arctic cooperation through the Arctic activities would be impeded. to stimulate job growth, and sharing Process, which concentrated The question is how the Arctic coun- expertise and best practices across our on the preservation of endangered tries are looking at their involvement. . Arctic nature. We joined the Barents Will it be business as usual? Will com- We all know that climate change is Euro-Arctic Council as a founding mem- mon interests prevail? Will the present happening faster in the Arctic than in ber in 1992. And we became one of the structures and methods of cooperation other of the world; in fact, the founding members of the Arctic Council be sufficient? And what about the role impacts of climate change underlie in 1996. of other countries with a growing inter- nearly all human activity in the region. The scope of Arctic activities has est in in the Arctic region? We hope to focus on climate change in become broader over the years, and Climate change is the most compel- our chairmanship in several ways, but in order to formulate a more coherent ling reason to continue to intensify most importantly by pressing the Arctic policy Finland prepared a Strategy for cooperation. This is the fundamental States and the Observer States to reduce the Arctic Region with the latest version factor that will change the Arctic region their black carbon and methane emis- issued in 2013. Finland will have parlia- profoundly. Global warming may pro- sions. mentary elections in the spring of 2015. ceed faster than predicted, especially in Our country does not contain the The next government will undoubtedly the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. largest piece of the Arctic, but we do emphasize Finland´s continuing interest Reaching a meaningful climate deal take the Arctic region very seriously in Arctic and northern issues, given that without delay is in the best interest of and we look forward to our coming two Finland will chair the Arctic Council after all Arctic countries, since the effects years in the chair of the Arctic Coun- the U.S. in 2017-19. But will the future of non-action would leave our region cil. of Arctic cooperation be as smooth as we vulnerable. It is encouraging that the ➤

The Circle 1.2015 9 U.S. sees climate issues as the number ANALYSIS one priority in their chairmanship of the Arctic Council and we hope this pays off. The international climate negotia- tions are, once more, approaching a decisive moment. A globally binding climate agreement will hopefully be concluded in 2015. The Arctic countries Canada, the Arctic Council and rough seas need to make a concerted, visible effort to positively contribute to the negotia- tions. Another great challenge will be how increasing economic activity in the Arctic region will support the goal of sustainable development, while benefit- ting Indigenous and other local com- munities. Here the U.S. chairmanship agenda also offers several ways to move forward. Business organizations will have to be involved in economic devel- opment issues. We should look at ways to create a natural contact between the Arctic Council and the newly established Arctic Economic Council. The U.S. has emphasized that it wants to prepare a program for the Arctic Council as a whole, not just for the country holding the chairmanship. Continuity is certainly a principle that Finland appreciates and we are keen to identify items on the U.S. chairmanship program that we could continue in ours. In order to be successful, Arctic coop- eration requires openness and trust among the stakeholders, especially the Arctic states. A spill-over from the rather turbulent state of international relations has, so far, been avoided for the most part. In Finland´s view, the decision to invite the European Union to participate as an observer to the Arctic Council should be implemented without delay. Without question, the EU is an important Arctic actor. The U.S. chairmanship program for the Arctic Council was prepared with the understanding that the business of the Council will go on as usual while reflecting the aspirations that we all share as Arctic countries. When the time comes, Finland will prepare its chair- manship program based on the same values where possible. Considering the huge challenges ahead, Arctic coopera- tion will figure prominently. An Inuk hunter on a snowmobile observing an ship, 10 The Circle 1.2015 Admiralty Inlet, Nunavut, Canada. Photo: Paul Nicklen/National Geographic Stock / WWF-Canada ANALYSIS Canada, the Arctic Council and rough seas In 1996, Canada was the first of eight Member States to chair a newly-founded Arctic Council. From May 2013 to April 2015, Canada again resumed the chair and set develop- ment for the people of the North as the overall theme. To achieve this goal, Canada called for responsible Arctic resource development, safe Arctic shipping and sustainable cir- cumpolar communities with subthemes under each of these 3 goals. Unique to Canada was the call to create an Arctic Economic Council – a subgoal of responsible resource development. How should we evaluate this agenda? Did Canada’s Chairship break new ground or was it just caretaking? To evaluate Canada’s success as chair and, in particular, in achieving its three goals, ANDREA CHARRON says the limitations of the Arctic Council must be understood. ➤

The Circle 1.2015 11 IN 1996, CANADA was the first of eight economy of the North is for state interests. Member States to chair a newly-founded CANADA STILL HAS A Canada achieved its third goal, the cre- Arctic Council. From May 2013 to April FEW MONTHS LEFT IN ITS ation of an Arctic Economic Council. But 2015, Canada again resumed the chair this is a shift from two of the goals of the and set development for the people of the MANDATE, BUT IT CAN Arctic Council: sustainable development North as the overall theme. To achieve and protection of the environment. Of this goal, Canada called for responsible ALREADY BE SEEN THAT course economics is related, even crucial Arctic resource development, safe Arctic to the goals of environmental protection shipping and sustainable circumpolar ITS TWO YEARS AS CHAIR and sustainable development, but the communities with subthemes under each ARE BEST DESCRIBED creation of an Arctic Economic Council of these 3 goals. Unique to Canada was has not been popular with all of the Arctic the call to create an Arctic Economic AS PLACE HOLDING. State members and exacerbates the exclu- Council – a sub- sive/inclusive friction. ANDREA CHARRON goal of responsible At the same time, action outside the is Assistant resource develop- are outnumbered by the 32 observers (and Arctic Council is doing more, arguably, for Professor and ment. How should some very powerful ones at that when the people of the Arctic. A little known Deputy-Direc- we evaluate this we consider China, Germany, Japan and agreement called the Minamata Conven- tor of the Cen- agenda? Did Cana- others). Non-voters outnumber voters by tion - a global treaty to protect human tre for Defence da’s Chairship break more than two to one. Finally, the Council health and the environment from the and Security Stud- new ground or was it has always suffered from an inclusive/ adverse effects of mercury– is especially ies at the University just caretaking? To exclusive debate. Some think the issues of important for the Arctic, which has higher of Manitoba, Canada. evaluate Canada’s the Arctic region (such as climate change levels of mercury. And yet, while the US She holds a PhD from success as chair and northern development) would be bet- has ratified the Convention, (along with the Royal Military Col- and, in particular, in ter tackled at strictly a regional level while only eight other countries – from , lege of Canada and achieving its three others believe that an international orga- and Monaco), none of the has Masters degrees goals, the limitations nization like the UN is more appropriate other Arctic States -- including Canada – in International Rela- of the Arctic Council since such issues affect the entire world. have; nor have the Observer states. The tions from Webster must be understood. Canada still has a few months left in its Arctic Council, under Canada’s leader- University, Leiden, The First, the Arctic mandate, but it can already be seen that ship, could have made ratification of this Netherlands, and in Council was created its two years as Chair are best described convention by all of its members – observ- Public Administration by a Declaration as place holding. While the Arctic Council ers or others – a goal. While the Arctic from Dalhousie Uni- in 1996 (largely cannot be expected to make grand pro- Council has made a statement** supporting versity. because of Canada’s nouncements every year (it is voluntarily the Convention, this is the ideal forum to leadership) to pro- funded and has only recently benefited encourage the Convention’s ratification. mote cooperation from a permanent secretariat), Canada’s Meanwhile, the working groups of the on issues of sustainable development attention to the Arctic has been lacklustre. Arctic Council are doing some very impor- and environmental protection of the On the one hand, the focus it has directed tant work indeed. Projects include an Arc- Arctic. The Council, however, only has on the people of the North is laudable. tic biodiversity assessment and creation of “soft legal” status -- meaning it cannot However, Canada’s priority was presented offshore oil and gas guidelines. Volunteer take any binding decisions or enforce as development “for” the people not funding from member and observer states, any of its decisions. Secondly, while the “with”, an unfortunate use of preposi- however, makes planning of these multi- Arctic Council has been instrumental tions.* Perhaps “for” can be excused as year projects a challenge. in keeping the Arctic a zone of coopera- simply a poor choice of words rather than The Arctic Council has had other suc- tion, outside geopolitical events (such an indication that Canada’s intent was cesses. The Agreement on Cooperation on as Russia’s action in the Ukraine) have to tell the people of the North what they Aeronautical and Maritime Search and proved a challenge to this cooperation. need. While the development priority Rescue in the Arctic and the Agreement In addition, the ratio of Member States included safe Arctic shipping and sustain- on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution, (those with a veto, although rarely exer- able, healthy communities, nevertheless Preparedness and Response in the Arctic cised) and Permanent Participants (those that prepositional slip suggests that the are examples of the Arctic Council coming afforded special decision-making status) underlying goal of Canada to improve the together to create useful, guiding docu- to Observers (including states, organiza- ments. tions and nongovernmental agencies) is * French version: “Le développement au service de la popu- Perhaps more importantly, Canada lation du Nord”. De is translated as “of” and not “for” (which now terribly out of balance; there are now would be “pour”). The French version invites input from should be commended for its diplomatic Northerners whereas the English translation suggests their only 14 decision makers which means they exclusion. ** See http://bit.ly/1bhV2Ty

12 The Circle 1.2015 Arctic Council: members, Permanent Participants and observers

The Arctic Council consists of the eight Arctic States. Indigenous peoples’ organizations have been granted permanent participants status in the Arctic Council. The permanent participants have full consultation rights in connection with the Council’s negotiations and decisions. Observer status in the Arctic Council is open to non-Arctic states, inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Member states Observer countries

Permanent participants

Aleut Gwich’in Arctic Inuit Saami Russian Association International Council Athabaskan Circumpolar Council (SC) of Indigenous Peoples Association (AIA) International (GCI) Council (AAC) Council (ICC) of the North (RAIPON)

Greenland Alaska (Denmark) (USA) Norway Finland Russia Canada Denmark U.K. Poland The Netherlands Germany France USA Italy Japan Spain South China Korea

India

Singapore

Observer organizations Non-governmental organizations observers: • Advisory Committee on Protection of the Seas (ACOPS) Intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary organizations observers: • Arctic Cultural Gateway • International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) • Association of World Herders (AWRH) • International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) • Circumpolar Conservation Union (CCU) • of Ministers (NCM) • International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) • Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) • International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA) • North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) • International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH) • Standing Committee of the Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR) • International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) • United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE) • Northern Forum (NF) • United Nations Development Program (UNDP) • University of the Arctic (UArctic) • United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) • World Wide Fund for Nature-Global Arctic Program (WWF)

Source: www.arctic-council.org. Graphic: Ketill Berger, Film & Form, www.filmform.no Source: http://www.arctic-council.org Graphic: Ketill Berger, filmform.no efforts. That the Arctic Council is still contentious issues, like fishing rights and tive for the Arctic, US Admiral (ret) Papp meeting despite geopolitical tensions climate change. Furthermore, the Arctic –former Commandant of the US Coast between Russia and the five NATO Arctic Council may be reaching a tipping point in Guard – to advance U.S. interests in the Council Member States is a testament to terms of the number of observers versus Arctic Region. They have a Herculean Canada’s adept chairmanship. decision-making members and Permanent task ahead of them: a recalcitrant Russia, What does the future hold for the Arctic Participants. Exactly how much weight is cash strapped Permanent Participants, Council? given to the ideas of Permanent Partici- eager Observer states who want more Likely all future chairs will run into the pants also needs to be considered. decision-making influence, and diversely- same problem as Canada – the “low hang- What is more, the eight Arctic States are interested Arctic Member States. Papp’s ing fruit” issues have been picked. In oth- chary of an overly ambitious, “UN-like” years sailing rough seas may be his best er words, the issues that were not of vital Arctic Council. When the United States training yet as the U.S. assumes the Chair national interest, but were readily agreed takes over as the next chair it will turn in April 2015. to by the Arctic States, have been tack- to its Senior Arctic Official as well as the led. This leaves some truly difficult and State Department’s Special Representa-

The Circle 1.2015 13 COMPARING PROGRAMMES Canada versus USA The table below compares the US plans for its chairmanship, as laid out in a presenta- tion at the Senior Arctic Officials Meeting in Yellowknife, October 2014, with Canada’s programme as laid out in a brochure from October 2013. This is not a direct comparison of national priorities. Canada’s agenda was laid out after it had been negotiated with the other Arctic states and Permanent Participants. The US programme has yet to go through that negotiating process.

Canada’s Arctic Council Chair-­ United States’ proposed Arctic Council Points of ­comparison manship program 2013-2015* Chairmanship program 2015-2017**

Chairmanship Development for the People of the One Arctic: Shared Opportunities, Challenges and Brand North Responsibilities

Organizational 1) Responsible Arctic resource devel- 1) Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change in the Arctic Thematic opment 2) Stewardship of the Arctic Ocean Areas 2) Safe Arctic shipping 3) Improving Economic and Living Conditions. 3) Sustainable circumpolar communi- ties.

Improving The Council is developing recommen- The U.S. proposes that the Council develop Renewable Economic dations for incorporating traditional ­Energy Demonstrations and Social and local knowledge into its work. Conditions The U.S. proposes that the Council enhance drinking water and sewage disposal services to remote communities in cold climates.

The Council is establishing the Arctic The Council should develop an Arctic-wide Arctic Water Economic Council to foster circumpo- Resources Vulnerability Index. lar economic development and provide opportunities for business to engage with the Arctic Council.

The Council is working to improve and The Council should examine the role of freshwater in Arctic develop mental wellness promotion systems. strategies. The Council should create a common system of metrics to track suicidal behaviors, interventions, and outcomes across Arctic States.

The Council should develop an Arctic-wide telecommunica- tions infrastructure assessment.

14 The Circle 1.2015 Canada’s Arctic Council Chair-­ United States’ proposed Arctic Council Points of ­comparison manship program 2013-2015* Chairmanship program 2015-2017**

Acting on The Council is developing arrange- The Arctic States should develop domestic black carbon Climate ments on actions to achieve enhanced inventories, with an initial focus on gas flaring and increase Change black carbon and methane emission data collection and monitoring of black carbon emissions reductions in the Arctic. affecting the Arctic.

The Arctic Council is facilitating the The U.S. will propose Arctic Council to further work on Arc- sharing of communities’ knowledge tic Climate Adaptation and Resilience. and best practices to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Council should enhance Arctic climate science by devel- oping a Pan-Arctic Digital Elevation Map; an Arctic Indica- tors Network, and an Early Warning Indicator System for the Arctic.

Protecting The Council is developing an action The Council should set an Arctic-wide target for protecting the Arctic plan on oil pollution prevention. marine areas and examine various models of marine protect- Environment ed areas, taking into account ecosystem-based management of marine activities.

Arctic Council states are continuing to The Arctic States should initiate the development of Phase II work closely together to encourage the of the Polar Code. International Maritime Organization’s efforts to develop a mandatory polar code for the Arctic Ocean.

The Council is working to establish The Council should consider whether a Regional Seas Pro- guidelines for sustainable tourism and gram for Arctic Ocean management. cruise-ship operations in the Arctic.

The Arctic Council is pursuing coop- The Council should expand information sharing on the envi- eration among Arctic and non-Arctic ronmental impacts of hazardous substances, mechanical states to support the conservation of recovery efficacy, and in-situ burning in open water, broken migratory birds. ice, and hard packed ice for oil products.

The Council should increase sharing of oil spill preparedness and response capabilities and continue the development of specialized pollution response resources and operational guidelines for responses in broken ice and ice covered areas.

The Council should enhance monitoring of Arctic Ocean Acidification and educate the media and the public about ocean acidification.

Strengthening The Council is working to enhance the The U.S. SAO chair could lead SAO discussions on how the the Arctic capacity of the Permanent Participant Council should relate to outside bodies (e.g. Arctic Regula- Council organizations, improve the Council’s tors Forum, Arctic Regional Hydrographic Commission, coordination and maximize efficien- IMO, etc.). cies.

The Council is working on an Archiv- The U.S. SAO chair could lead a SAO review of the internal ing Project. Council structure to see if it continues to meet the Council’s needs.

* as per the Canadian Chairmanship Programme 2013-2015 Brochure October 2013 ** as per the U.S. State Department presentation at the October 2014 Senior Arctic Officials meeting in Yellowknife The Circle 1.2015 15 Demography of indigenous peoples of the Arctic based on linguistic groups

Aleuts

Evens

PERMANENT Alutiiq Central Kereks Alaskan Yupik Chukchi Dena’ina Siberian Alutiiq Tanacross Yupik Tlingit Eyak Ahtna Upper Evens Kusko- Deg Evenks PARTICIPANTS Tutchone Hit’an Chukchi Yukagirs kwim Tagish Tanana Holikachuk Inuit (Iñupiat) Evens Carrier Hän Koyukon Yukagirs () Babine Kaska Sakha WEIGH IN Sarsi Gwich'in Evens (Yakuts) Sakha Evenks Slavey (Yakuts) Beaver INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION Inuit Dogrib (Inuvialuit) Evenks

Chipewyan Inuit Focus on marine environment Evenks Nganasans AS THE REPRESENTATIVE of an island region, the Aleut International Inuit Association would like to see a focus on protection of the marine Dolgans environment during the next term of the Arctic Council. This would be a continuation of work by the Arctic Council, particularly in the Enets Kets Kets recent past with the agreement on marine oil pollution preparedness Selkups and response, and the arrangement on marine oil pollution preven- Selkups tion worked on during the Canadian Chairmanship. Nenets Inuit Nenets In particular we hope that there will be an emphasis on safe ship- Inuit ping, perhaps with measures that will take the provisions of the Khanty International Marine Organization’s (IMO) Polar Code a step fur- Inuit ther. In addition, we hope that the U.S. Chairmanship will continue (Kalaallit) Mansi to expand efforts to better include Traditional Knowledge in the Nenets Komi work of the Arctic Council, as well as examine ways to better support the Permanent Participants to engage more fully. Saami We hope that the U.S. will encourage further steps to mitigate the

i effects of climate change, but also examine ways Arctic Communities m a a can adapt to the changes that will likely happen regardless of mitiga- S tion efforts. We also hope to see a focus on living conditions for the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic which could build on ongoing work on issues such as mental wellness, suicide prevention, language retention, and food security. We would also like to see an initiative that examines energy in the Arctic, and looks at innovative ways to bring down the cost and environmental effects of heating and power generation with a focus on both improving existing technologies, but also an examination of new technologies such as renewables. Finally, we hope to see a Na'Dene family Eskimo-Aleut family Uralic-Yukagiran family Altaic family Isolated languages renewed focus on outreach, to get the word out about the work of the Arctic Council, and the changes that are affecting the Arctic, to Athabaskan branch Inuit group (Eskimo) Finno-Ugric branch Turkic branch Chukotko- Kamchatkan family the global audience. Eyak branch Yupik group (Eskimo) Samodic branch Tunguso-Manchurian branch Tlingit branch Aleut group Yukagiran branch Kets

Map: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal. Sources: Arctic Human Development Report, 2004 and Norwegian Polar Institute (W.K. Dallmann).

16 The Circle 1.2015 Demography of indigenous peoples of the Arctic based on linguistic groups Aleuts

Aleuts THE ARCTIC ATHABASKAN COUNCIL

Evens

Alutiiq Central Kereks Koryaks Alaskan Yupik Cooperation, climate Chukchi Evenks Dena’ina Siberian Alutiiq Tanacross Yupik Tlingit Evens Eyak Ahtna Upper Evens Kusko- Deg Evenks change, cutting Tutchone kwim Hit’an Chukchi Yukagirs Tagish Tanana Holikachuk Inuit (Iñupiat) Sakha Evens Carrier Hän Koyukon Yukagirs (Yakuts) through geopolitics Babine Kaska Sakha Sarsi Gwich'in Evens (Yakuts) Sakha Evenks Slavey (Yakuts) key to upcoming term Beaver Inuit Dogrib (Inuvialuit) the Chair of Evenks THE UNITED STATES ASSUMES the Arctic Council at a time when relations Chipewyan Inuit Evenks between Russia and the other circumpo- lar states has deteriorated due to Russia’s Nganasans Dolgans Inuit annexation of and support of rebels in eastern Ukraine. Some have accused Presi- Dolgans dent Putin of seeking to expand Russia to Enets Kets Kets something like the old frontiers of the with the intent of increasing Russia’s Selkups Selkups influence globally. What might this mean for Nenets co-operation in the circumpolar world? Rus- Inuit Nenets Inuit Khanty sia’s geography – eleven time zones – make it

Khanty indispensable to circumpolar collaboration. The United States has announced a Inuit (Kalaallit) Mansi thought-provoking and ambitious agenda for

Nenets Komi its term as Chair of the Arctic Council includ- ing initiatives on mitigation and adaptation Saami to climate change, improving governance of the Arctic Ocean, and economic development

i m within the region. It appears that coordinat- a a S ing national programmes and activities by Karelians the five Arctic Ocean littoral states is what is meant by improving governance in the Arctic Ocean. Whatever it proposes will take place in the context of proposals by all litto- ral states to extend their continental shelves into the Arctic Ocean according to processes detailed in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Claims by these states to extended continental shelves overlap. It may be that Na'Dene family Eskimo-Aleut family Uralic-Yukagiran family Altaic family Isolated languages during the American term as Chair of the Athabaskan branch Inuit group (Eskimo) Finno-Ugric branch Turkic branch Chukotko- Council, negotiation particularly with Russia Kamchatkan family Eyak branch Yupik group (Eskimo) Samodic branch Tunguso-Manchurian outside this forum will take place among and branch Tlingit branch Aleut group Yukagiran branch Kets between Arctic states to resolve competing claims. Map: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal. Sources: Arctic Human Development Report, 2004 and Norwegian Polar Institute (W.K. Dallmann). Regarding climate – an issue not pri- ➤

The Circle 1.2015 17 oritized by Canada during its term as chair – the US may stress reduction GWICH’IN COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL in emissions of black carbon, a short- lived climate pollutant, both within the region and more broadly. The Council established a task force to look into Put energy this issue some years ago and an agree- ment to reduce emissions may well be announced at the April 2015 ministerial into energy meeting in Iqaluit. The Arctic Atha- THE ARCTIC IS A MAGNIFICENT but formidable place to baskan Council (AAC) has attended all call home. The winters are long, cold and dark and meetings of this task force and repeat- per capita energy use is almost twice the Canadian edly urged states to commit to reduce average. The Gwich’in people have survived and pros- black carbon emissions. To date, Arctic pered in this climate due to a strong connection to states have addressed mitigation of the land and resourceful communities, however the climate change caused through emis- cost of energy effects all Gwich’in people living in the sion of greenhouse gases – long-lived remote north. These costs can be attributed to energy climate pollutants – globally through production, residential building science for the north the UN Framework Convention on Cli- and heating appliances. Gwich’in Council Inter- mate Change. A regional climate change national would recommend the US Chairmanship mitigation agreement would signal a explore each of these cost drivers and develop tools to significant evolution of the Council and assist communities in making decisions for address- perhaps prompt other states to consider ing their unique energy needs during their tenure. similar regional agreements. The US The majority of Gwich’in communities rely on die- may soon have an opportunity to turn sel fuel for energy production. The diesel fuel for the a paper agreement into on-the-ground most part is trucked in and in some cases flown in! reality. The exploration of scalable renewable power genera- In the late 1980s and early 1990s, tion technologies in the remote north would help to co-operation between the circumpolar research sources of reliable, affordable and applicable states was new and untested. It was alternative energy production in our communities also confined primarily to scientific and to ensure continued prosperity of the people of the environmental issues defined in the north. 1991 Arctic Environmental Protection Residential building science has improved to the Strategy in which Arctic Indigenous point of Net-zero homes (homes that produce and Peoples had only a limited role. Nearly consume equal amounts of energy). However, many 20 years later co-operation between the homes built in the Gwich’in settlement area still use eight circumpolar states through the dated building practices and less efficient heating Arctic Council has become the natural appliances. This combination yields poor insulation order of things, and Arctic Indigenous value, inadequate air tightness and inefficient use of peoples intervene in debates and deci- resources for heat generation. GCI suggests a review sion-making as Permanent Participants. of current housing inventories in the north and a AAC is committed to deepening and comparative cost analysis of current residential build- broadening circumpolar co-operation ing science vs. efficient building practices. The knowl- and informing global institutions about edge sharing of best building practices of States and what the Arctic – the world’s barometer Permanent Participants would be a tool to assist com- of climate change – is reading. Much munities to make educated decisions for the future depends on the political and diplomatic development and construction of homes in the north. abilities of the United States during its Gwich’in Council International looks forward to term as chair of the Arctic Council to working on energy solutions with the United States promote circumpolar co-operation at a Chairmanship in supporting the wellbeing and time of changing and challenging geo- sustainability of the northern communities of the politics. Gwich’in People.

Winter in Iqaluit, 18 The Circle 1.2015 Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. THE Expectations for the US chairmanship THE SAAMI COUNCIL supports the concept of being one Arctic. We live in the Arctic together, even though the challenges might differ. The Saami Council, as one of the six Permanent Participants to the Arctic Council, is ready to share the respon- sibilities in the Arctic. As an Indigenous people in the Arctic, we do, however, face a reality that we are confronted with an uneven share of the challenges with the change in environment and not least with the change in land use. We have expectations that with the US lead, the Arctic Council and its member states will ensure and contribute so that the Indig- enous peoples in the Arctic also have equal access to the opportunities. During the last decade there has been a lot of focus on climate changes and the Arctic Council is monitoring and addressing the impacts of these. With climate changes come also changes in the environment and changes in land use. To cope with these changes from a Saami perspective it is impor- tant to build robust and resilient communities in the high north. Socio-economic resilience is important for the communities to live through changes we still do not fully understand without lost identity and culture. This is the essence of sustainable develop- ment. The Saami Council therefore welcomes the conclusion of the Arctic Resilience Report during the US Chairmanship, as well as initiatives coming from the Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic (AACA) that will “produce information to assist local decision-makers and stakeholders…in developing adaptation tools and strategies to better deal with climate change and other pertinent environmental stressors”. Saami Council looks forward to the US continuing the Canadian initiative to make better use of tradi- tional knowledge and implementing actions to include TK in Arctic Council activities.

The Circle 1.2015 19 Photo: Peter Ewins / WWF-Canada MARINE ENVIRONMENT A regional seas approach for the Arctic: what does it mean? As part of a wide-ranging and ambitious agenda for its upcoming chairmanship of the Arctic Council, the US has expressed its interest in moving towards a regional seas approach to improve stewardship and governance of the Arctic marine environment. What this means has not yet been fully detailed by U.S. officials, although asBROOKS YEAGER­ writes, enough has been said that we may make some educated guesses.

THE REGIONAL SEAS approach has its roots oceans. A number of such agreements, or based in the sovereign authority of their in Regional Seas Agreements, which are RSAs, have been formed under the aus- member governments. cooperative intergovernmental frame- pices of the United Nations Environment Although RSAs are by their nature works for ocean management and con- Program (UNEP), while others are essen- frameworks, often crafted with enough servation in various areas of the world’s tially autonomous regional associations flexibility to evolve over time, they fre-

Polar Bear (Ursus arctos maritimus) mother and two cubs playing around iceberg. Svalbard, Norway, Europe.

20 The Circle 1.2015 Photo: naturepl.com / Andy Rouse / WWF Photo: naturepl.com / quently have specific aims with respect to stewardship and management of the Arc- which their member governments orga- tic marine environment.” nize their efforts. ALTHOUGH THE U.S. An RSA oriented to such a goal might Notable among existing RSAs are: be expected to emphasize cooperation OSPAR, the Convention for the Protection WAS HISTORICALLY A in science and monitoring, as well as of the Marine Environment of the North- management techniques such as ecosys- East Atlantic which seeks to conserve RELUCTANT PARTNER IN tem-based management (EBM) and the and prevent pollution in the NE Atlantic; THE INITIAL FORMATION conservation of valuable and vulnerable HELCOM, the Baltic marine Environ- marine habitat. ment Protection Commission which aims OF THE COUNCIL, THE At the same time, Admiral Robert to restore and protect the environment of Papp, the new US Special Envoy for the ; and the Conven- COUNCIL’S UTILITY AS A the Arctic, has made it clear that there tion, which seeks to maintain the health is also an interest in maintaining and of the Black Sea ecosystem. There are, of FORUM FOR DISCUSSING advancing practi- course, many more RSAs, including in the ARCTIC POLICY MAT- cal cooperation on BROOKS YEAGER Mediterranean, the , the East- maritime safety and has consider- ern Pacific, and even for the . TERS, AND THE SUCCESS navigational issues, able experi- What would be the primary purpose of including pursuing ence with an Arctic RSA, should one be established? OF ITS WORKING GROUPS coordinated imple- issues in the Of course, this would be subject to nego- mentation of the U.S. and Circum- tiation among the Arctic governments. HAS CAUGHT THE AT- existing agreements polar Arctic including: However, State Department officials have TENTION OF SUCCESSIVE on search and rescue Deputy Assistant Sec- dropped some hints relating to US objec- (SAR) and oil spill retary for Environment tives. One of the three principal pillars of U.S. ADMINISTRATIONS. preparedness and and Development the US chairmanship is “strengthening response (OPPR). ➤ at State; lead U.S. negotiator for the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Internation- al Affairs at the Interior Department. He also worked with the State Department on the establishment of the Arctic Council.

The Circle 1.2015 21 It seems likely, therefore, that an Arctic OCEAN ACIDIFICATION RSA would have such a practical orienta- tion at its core. The question of the appropriate mem- bership of an Arctic RSA is an interesting one. Although one could imagine such U.S. action needed an RSA including only the Arctic lit- toral states, i.e. Canada, Denmark (for The ocean regulates our climate and our weather and plays Greenland), Norway, Russia and the U.S., a fundamental role in maintaining ’s water, carbon U.S. officials have made it clear that they would seek to include all eight Arctic gov- and nutrient cycles. Since the start of the Industrial Revo- ernments, as well as the so-called “Per- lution, human activities have upset the natural balance manent Participants,” the representatives of nutrients in the ocean. warns changes of the Arctic’s Indigenous peoples. In TOM ARMSTRONG part, this preference reflects strong U.S. in the oceanic carbon cycle are causing dramatic changes support for the existing Council, as the in the Arctic Ocean and need a strong response from the appropriate forum for the coordination of incoming chair of the Arctic Council policy and management approaches in the region. Although the U.S. was historically a reluctant partner in the initial formation THE OCEAN has absorbed nearly one- by the Arctic Ocean are likely to have of the Council, the Council’s utility as a third of the carbon dioxide (CO²) added significant detrimental impacts on the forum for discussing Arctic policy mat- to the atmosphere by humans from physical, biological, social and economic ters, and the success of its working groups deforestation and the burning of fossil state of today’s, and especially tomor- over twenty years in framing significant fuels. Because the ocean has absorbed row’s, Arctic communities. problems for resolution has caught the so much CO², greenhouse warming of attention of successive US administra- the atmosphere is less severe. But, there tions. The result is that strengthening the is a critical downside: the dissolved CO² Council has now become a significant pri- increases the acidity of ocean water, ACIDIFICATION OF ority for the U.S. chairmanship agenda. threatening aquatic life and the liveli- THE ARCTIC OCEAN IS Whether the specific potential benefits hoods that depend on it. Without global of an RSA that the U.S. conceives can action to limit CO² emissions, this trend POORLY UNDERSTOOD, actually be brought to fruition depends will continue. on the reaction of the other seven Arctic Ocean acidification is a big issue for UNDER-OBSERVED AND Council nations, the Permanent Par- the Arctic, where relatively shallow ticipants and the broader community of water depths and significantly large UNDER-RESEARCHED. institutions and organizations who con- CO² influx from both human and natu- cern themselves with development and ral sources can result in acidic waters, conservation issues in the Arctic region. leading to substantial impacts on a very WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW There have already been some encourag- vulnerable food web. Exacerbating the The Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- ing signs, in terms of the responses of problem is the fact that the relatively mate Change (IPCC) 5th Assessment the Senior Arctic Officials in the recent cold waters of the Arctic allow CO² to Report included several important find- Yellowknife meeting, and of various be absorbed more easily than in warmer ings with relevance to both global ocean interested groups, including the informal tropical waters, amplifying the acidify- health and acidification of the Arctic Ecosystem-Based Management Expert ing effect of atmospheric CO² at polar Ocean, including: Panel, which endorsed the regional seas latitudes. In addition, as ice melts in the ■■ Ocean warming dominates the approach at its recent meeting in Trond- Arctic, the becomes less salty, increase in energy stored in the climate heim. The EBM panel, in particular, and less salty water absorbs CO² more system, accounting for more than 90% pointed out that an Arctic Regional Seas efficiently. Yet with all of these poten- of the energy accumulated between 1971 Agreement would be a useful framework tially significant impacts and related and 2010 (60% above 700m, 30% below in which to share experiences and meth- consequences, acidification of the Arctic 700m) odologies and to improve coordination Ocean is poorly understood, under- ■■ Ocean acidity has increased approxi- of implementation of the ecosystem observed and under-researched. Contin- mately 30 percent since the Industrial approach to management of the Arctic ued anthropogenic climate change and Revolution marine environment. increasing amounts of carbon uptake ■■ More acidic oceans will have broad

22 The Circle 1.2015 Ocean acidification was outreach strategy aimed at raising one of the three topics awareness of Arctic Ocean acidification that Secretary John (OA) as an issue that impacts the globe- Kerry chose to highlight not just the Arctic in the Our Ocean con- ■■ Developing a focused mechanism ference. for directly connecting the U.S. OA Interagency Working Group (IWG) with states, NGOs, foundations, academia, local communities and private industry within the U.S. and across the Arctic Council countries to share best practices and lessons learned in addressing the causes of and impacts from OA. ■■ Developing strategies for raising the profile of OA – and Arctic Council-led solutions – in upcoming UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNF-

Photo: Ralph Alswang, Creative Commons, Flickr.com Photo: Ralph CCC) COPs and significant impacts on marine eco- The U.S. continues to promote the ■■ Developing DR. THOMAS ARM- systems, the services they provide, and development and establishment of the strategies/efforts STRONG is the coastal economies, which depend on Global Ocean Acidification Observing for raising the pro- the Deputy them Network (GOA-ON), which will mea- file and scientific Secretary ■■ Oceanic uptake of anthropogenic sure ocean acidification through the expertise capacity of of the Arctic CO² will continue under all future deployment of instruments in key ocean OA within the more Monitoring emission scenarios, however, uptake is areas. This is a new network with broad mainstream Arctic and Assessment greater for higher concentration path- international cooperation and a com- Council climate Programme and leads ways – causing even more acidification, mitment to build capacity in developing change efforts, such the Adaptation Actions with carbon cycle feedbacks that will countries. Since 2012, the United States as AMAP’s assess- for a Changing Arctic. exacerbate climate change has provided financial support totaling ments and monitor- He previously served approximately $1 million, and related ing activities. in the Obama White- THE U.S. PERSPECTIVE in-kind support for the establishment of ■■ Utilizing the house as the Execu- U.S. federal agencies are currently con- a new Ocean Acidification International circum-Arctic coun- tive Director of the ducting research, implementing poli- Coordination Center (OAICC) based in tries’ leadership U.S.Global Change cies and developing measures to better Monaco, which will help facilitate global elements within Reaserch Program understand and address the effects of cooperation to advance our understand- AMAP and Sustain- ocean acidification. But more is needed. ing of ocean acidification. ing Arctic Ocean We believe the U.S. must continue to Observing Net- lead the charge for the international RECOMMENDATIONS FOR works (SAON) to find creative ways to community to increase international ACTION BY THE ARCTIC help fund standardized OA monitoring collaboration on ocean acidification COUNCIL instruments across international bor- research in the Arctic, particularly with During its 2015 to 2017 Chairmanship ders and leverage existing and planned regard to the effects of acidification on of the Arctic Council, the U.S. should activities across borders shell-forming organisms, marine biodi- take a leadership role in: ■■ Organizing a roundtable discussion versity and food security. ■■ Promoting the development of a with leading industry players, NGO Ocean acidification was one of the full-scale, rigorous assessment of Arctic and/or philanthropic leaders with a three topics that Secretary John Kerry Ocean acidification by the Arctic Moni- focus on determining the requisite sci- chose to highlight in the Our Ocean toring and Assessment Programme’s ence and monitoring assets needed to conference. The Our Ocean Action Plan, (AMAP) Arctic Ocean Acidification better understand past, present and released by Secretary Kerry during the Expert Group. future trends of OA as well as the result- conference, identified the importance ■■ Continuing to support efforts like the ant impacts and effects ■ of reducing CO² emissions to stem the Global Ocean Acidification Observing ■ Proposing oil and gas companies increase in ocean acidification and the Network through monetary and exper- with offshore oil platforms in the Arctic need to create worldwide capability to tise contributions. add monitoring devices to their instal- monitor ocean acidification. ■■ Developing a communications and lations.

The Circle 1.2015 23 ENERGY Renewable energy in the far north – is it feasible? All photos: Green Sun Rising. Three electic vehicles at a solar charging station in Hay River, Nrthwest Territories.

Using solar energy in Northern communities is a tough sell. Just ask KLAUS DOHRING, presi- dent of Green Sun Rising, a Canadian company based in Windsor, Ontario that develops and supplies solar systems to generate clean electricity and heat. He says reaction to using these forms of renewable energy in the Arctic is still a mix of preconceptions, mis- conceptions and skepticism even though it is already meeting with success.

WHENEVER I SUGGEST using solar energy Berlin, Germany. In its peak summer solar energy in northern climes. Space in Northern communities, the typical months of May and June, – also is an even harsher environment than response is that there is too little, or no in the and located the Arctic, yet satellites and the Interna- sunshine in the winter months. This is 2 degrees above the Arctic Circle – gets tional Space Station are great examples irrefutable. But so is the flip side of that more sun energy per month than Rio de of solar powered systems operating argument: in the summer there is an Janeiro in any of its best months. For a well in space. The Mars rover is an abundance of sunshine in the far north. good half of the year the sun is a great electric vehicle purely solar powered, The city of Yellowknife in Canada’s energy resource for the north. also operating under extremely harsh Northwest Territories gets about 8 per The harsh northern climate is usu- conditions. Solar cells actually get more cent more sun energy per year than ally cited next in the argument against efficient with lower ambient tempera-

24 The Circle 1.2015 ENERGY Renewable energy in the far north – is it feasible?

This bikeport is purely solar powered. It is Photos of solar energy technology being installed in Hay River, used year-around. Northwest Territories, Canada.

tures because they like being cold. With One litre of diesel fuel typically Against the variable cost of diesel no moving parts, a solar photovoltaic provides 3 kilowatt hours (kWh) of fuel reduction, a solar system is already system in which light (photons) are con- electricity via the generator. At current financially viable. When considering the verted into electricity (volts) can hiber- economics of C$1.20 per liter plus an true cost of diesel generation, a solar nate through the harsh arctic winter and assumed 25 per cent transportation cost system will be a substantial cost savings. generate electricity as soon as the sun- added, this results in variable cost of at In terms of quality of life and pollution, shine is available for the solar cells. least C$0.50 per kWh just for fuel cost a solar system is quiet, has no emissions, We have introduced both solar photo- reduction, higher for more remote com- and is the most environmentally friendly voltaic as well as solar thermal systems munities. The full cost of diesel gener- way to provide energy. Once installed, into Northwest Territories applications, ated electricity is typically in the several the ongoing operating cost is zero. and the systems operate well. dollars per kWh range, two-thirds of Northern communities are accus- Solar thermal systems can be used to which is government-subsidized in tomed to large diesel tanks with fuel generate heat energy. While the system Canada. delivery once per year, and using fuel itself is different from solar photovol- In the province of Ontario, the cur- from the tanks all year around. A large taic, the sun availability is the same. A rent solar incentive program puts a val- scale solar thermal system with big and solar thermal system allows for simple ue of less than C$0.40 per kWh on solar very well insulated storage tanks allows and easy generation and storage of heat generated power, and the incentive pro- the harvest of abundant summer solar energy, in the form of hot water. gram is still considered attractive. energy which can also be stored for year ➤

The Circle 1.2015 25 round usage. Now the sun is the fuel delivery vehicle coming very reliably ENERGY every summer, providing clean energy free of charge. Drake Landing Solar Community in Alberta, Canada has an operating example of such a long term storage system for solar thermal energy. Towards a There are over 100 others in operation across Europe. Conceptually, a solar thermal system with seasonal heat stor- age of sufficient size can meet all of the sustainable future heat energy needs of a northern com- munity. The remote northern village of Kongiganak, Alaska found Wind power has yet to build a track itself in a potentially life-threatening predicament when record of being able to withstand Arc- the winter barge carrying the village’s winter fuel supply tic conditions, but it is starting to. For electricity, after the summer solar pho- got stuck in the ice due to an early freeze up in October tovoltaic potential has been exhausted, 2014. SANTINA GAY and RODERICK PHILLIPS say the incident a combination of solar system with bat- underscores how important it is for the village to continue tery storage plus wind power can pro- vide most of the communities’ needs, to be proactive in using alternative energy to lessen its with a diesel back-up system. In Ant- dependence on fossil fuels. arctica, a harsher environment than the Arctic, the Princess Elisabeth Station has been operating since 2004 purely KONGIGANAK IS A SMALL VILLAGE of just and through the community, making on solar and wind power. over 400 people hundreds of kilometres it easy to get around quickly by foot or With the onset of electric vehicles east of Anchorage at the mouth of the ATV. Like many Alaska Native Villages, (EV) there is now significant develop- Kuskokwim River. When the winter fuel Kongiganak is a fly- or boat-in only ment in battery storage systems. Utility shipment from Northstar Gas became community. Access is primarily through scale battery systems are being intro- icebound, community members rallied small aircraft which greatly inhibits duced, and northern communities will and headed out in their small aluminum frequency, duration, and ability to get be able to benefit from clean and quiet fishing boats to create a path for the fuel in and out. Weather and increased risk electricity storage in battery systems, barge. After several days of chipping factors also have a major effect on travel which can at least bridge the daily varia- away ice that was often three inches within Alaska. tions of solar power, and start to reduce thick, the barge finally made it to the The cost of living for items like gro- the seasonal impacts. The community pumping station to deliver and secure ceries, fuel and energy can be five times of Colville , Northwest Territories the village’s supply of heating fuel and higher than those in urban areas. This is set to receive such a utility battery . extreme cost paired with poverty and system in 2015. It is expected that the The village sits on coastal , high unemployment makes maintaining combination of a solar system with bat- connected to a beautiful labyrinth of a life in rural Alaska much more dif- tery storage will greatly reduce diesel , rivers, and streams. A board- ficult than in a city. This is why it is very usage in summer. walk runs along the Kongiganak River important for the villages to harvest Ultimately, electric vehicles will also from the land and waters throughout become a preferred choice for Northern FOR ALASKAN NATIVES, the year to secure their winter food sup- communities, once clean and renew- ply. able energy is available. We operated HARVESTING AND EAT- Kongiganak has built a robust envi- two electric cars through last winter, ronmental program that protects the when the Arctic vortex brought Arctic ING SUBSISTENCE FOODS living lands, waters, and air. The impor- winters to Ontario. Both EVs did well, tance of subsistence foods is vital to with reduced range. The Arctic Energy IS ESSENTIAL TO PER- the Native Village of Kongiganak. For Alliance is now starting to operate one SONAL, SOCIAL, AND Alaskan Natives, harvesting and eating EV in Yellowknife, and will generate real subsistence foods is essential to personal, life experience with an EV under North- CULTURAL IDENTITY social, and cultural identity. For this rea- ern conditions. son, we need to do all we can to preserve

26 The Circle 1.2015 Windturbines, Kongiganak, Alaska Photo: Qayaq, Flickr.com, Creative Commons Photo: Qayaq, Flickr.com,

The wind turbine project was completed in December 2012 with oil stoves off and thermal stoves on in 20 residential - watt. homes. The average price is $0.65/kilo

perWhen hour the(gph) winds are blowing, the power plant is only burningRODERICK five gallons PHILLIP , gph when the wind is the Environmental iscompared not blowing. to 13-15/ The Director of the Tribal boiler acts like a government of Kongi- shock absorber for ganak, Alaska. the wind gust which creates a boost of SANTINA GAY is the energy to the power Alaska Tribal Coordi- plant and keeps the nator with the US Envi- generator engines ronmental Protection at stable revolutions Agency per minute (rpm). The coolant from the boiler also keeps the engines warm enough to run at a minimum rpm. Once this is achieved at the power plant, extra energy goes to the electronic thermal stoves (ETS) which provide enough heat to keep entire houses warm and allows the homeowners to turn off their oil our land and keep our land, water, and for the wind turbine energy are to lower stoves. The cost of electricity for the ETS air contaminant free so our ecosystem diesel engine use; heat the boiler in the will keep producing subsistence foods for power plant and heat 20 homes through future generations. electronic thermal stoves (ETS). The costunits of is diesel $0.10/kw heating which fuel is in equivalent Kongiganak to - Tribal Government has also partnered $2.90/gallon of diesel heating fuel. The matic wind turbines that have been in with three other villages – Kwigillingok, The Tribal government of Kongiga- placeKongiganak since 2013. has The five, turbines 95 kilowatt now Wind heat Tuntutuliak, and Kipnuk – to create Cha- isnak’s $6.91/gallon strides in at alternative the gas station. energy are 20 homes and a laundromat in the vil- putting the small fishing community on lage. Diesel fuel savings already stand at goal was to install wind turbines to lower the cutting edge of community-led cli- 33,000 gallons annually. The priorities theninik cost Wind of energy Group (heat(CWG) and in 2005.electricity). Their mate resiliency efforts in Alaska.

The Circle 1.2015 27 RESEARCH Opportunities, Challenges, Responsibilities The U.S. State Department, which represents the United States on the Arctic Council, has established priorities for the U.S. Chair including climate change impacts in the Arctic, stewardship of the Arctic Ocean, and improving Arctic economic and living conditions. Here, JOHN WALSH and LARRY HINZMAN highlight several topics under these themes that can galvanize research communities within the United States and other nations during the coming U.S. Chair period.

ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE atmospheric CO2. The Arctic Ocean and sional cruises (mostly during the warm TO ARCTIC CLIMATE CHANGE Subarctic seas are especially vulner- season) and just a few buoys, while the Mitigation activities such as reduced able to increasing ocean acidity because modeling of variations in ocean acidi- emissions have the potential to alter of their large shallow shelf seas, cold fication remains in its infancy. With the trajectory of Arctic climate change water, and high rates of productivity. a heightened global awareness of the in the latter decades of the present Acidification is a threat to Subarctic threats posed by ocean acidification, the century. However, some changes are fisheries, including the , with next few years present an opportunity already “locked” in the evolving climate major socioeconomic consequences. for significant progress in understand- system, making adaptation a crucial However, large uncertainties pervade ing and predicting ocean acidification in element for dealing with climate change our understanding and prediction of the the Arctic. Chairing the Arctic Council over the next few decades. And despite rate of high-latitude ocean acidification, can serve as a catalyst for coordinated increasing awareness of their impor- as well as its geographical distribution. and systematic monitoring (by cruises, tance, climate change adaptations, in Monitoring of ocean acidity in the Arctic buoys, sub-ice sampling, and emerg- the U.S. Arctic (Alaska) and other Arctic has largely been done through occa- ing technologies, such as underwater regions have to date been dominated by autonomous vehicles) of high-latitude planning and monitoring, rather than water acidification. Analysis of the col- implementation. The identification of CLIMATE CHANGE AD- lected data can improve understanding adaptation options for northern regions of Arctic water sensitivity to CO2 uptake is the objective of an existing, ongoing APTATIONS, IN THE and acidification, and in turn inform Arctic Council assessment (“Adapta- the development of predictive models, tion Actions for a Changing Arctic”). U.S. ARCTIC (ALASKA) enabling planning and adaptation by With this report scheduled for release AND OTHER ARCTIC RE- industry and coastal communities. The in 2017, the facilitation of adaptation Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and actions and resilience can be one of the GIONS HAVE TO DATE Assessment Programme can also play signature activities of the U.S. Chair of an important role in the assessment of the Arctic Council. BEEN DOMINATED BY high-latitude ocean acidification.

HIGH-LATITUDE OCEAN PLANNING AND MONI- ARCTIC INDICATORS NETWORK ACIDIFICATION TORING, RATHER THAN AND EARLY INDICATORS The global ocean is 25 % more acidic WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE today than it was 300 years ago, a IMPLEMENTATION ARCTIC change traceable to increasing levels of It is well known that recent global

28 The Circle 1.2015 RESEARCH Opportunities, Challenges, Responsibilities

changes have been amplified in the and Arizona. Limited water availability tic mid-latitude weather connections Arctic. However, the Arctic is a complex is further constrained by the Arctic’s represents a challenge for the scientific system, and change will not manifest long winters, when surface water is community, as well as a tremendous at similar rates within all components. bound up as ice or , and access to opportunity to stimulate the broader Present monitoring of the Arctic is groundwater is limited by permafrost. public’s interest in the Arctic. characterized by a reliance on remote Such restrictions place severe con- sensing and sparse networks of in situ straints on communities and industry. CLOSING PERSPECTIVE measurements, unevenly distributed Villages in northern Alaska typically Policy leadership is essential. The Arctic among system components. A holistic harvest water from small streams or is changing rapidly with regard to global picture of Arctic change requires that lakes during the summer months and access, resources, we define, implement, and maintain attempt to store adequate volumes to and exploitation. LARRY HINZMAN is a more comprehensive and robust set sustain the community for the nine Improved scientific the Director of of Arctic indicators. These indicators, or more winter months. Further, the understanding of the Interna- highlighting the most imminent risks extremely harsh climate greatly com- the Arctic environ- tional Arctic and thereby informing priorities for plicates the handling and processing ment will enable the Research planning and adaptation activities, of waste water, requiring large invest- international com- Center at the must span the physical, social, and eco- ments of capital, energy, and time. The munity to develop University of Alaska nomic components of the Arctic system. strict limits and great costs associated sound policies for Fairbanks. He is also Physical indicators for the Arctic can with both obtaining clean water and the region’s use chief scientist for the build upon the monitoring activities eliminating waste water present serious and sustainability, U.S. Department of of NOAA and NASA, and can augment challenges to family health and sanita- including the pro- Energy’s Next Genera- the set of essential climate variables tion. tection of its pris- tion Ecosystem Experi- already identified to guide the Global tine environment, ments (NGEE-Arctic) Climate Observing System. Socioeco- PUBLIC OUTREACH small populations nomic indicators, including land use, The U. S. Chair of the Arctic Council of wildlife, fragile DR. JOHN WALSH is infrastructure, and measures of human comes at a unique time in the evolution ecosystems, and the Chief Sci- well-being, have heretofore been gen- of public awareness of Arctic change. sensitive communi- entist of the erally uncoordinated internationally, The rapidity of recent changes at high ties of Indigenous International inconsistently structured, and poorly (or latitudes creates an urgent need for peoples. This U.S. Research not at all) integrated with physical indi- greater public understanding of the chair brings pres- Center at cators. Such integration represents an Arctic, especially as the Arctic acts as a tige and oppor- the University of interdisciplinary challenge but also an sentinel for broader global change. The tunities for U.S. Alaska, Fairbanks. outstanding opportunity for the period potential change in global as interests, while also His research has of the U.S. Chair. a result of a warming Arctic is an obvi- carrying a respon- addressed arctic cli- ous example. The recent emergence of sibility to balance mate weather variabil- FRESHWATER SECURITY potential links between Arctic warming development and ity, with an emphasis Though the Arctic may appear a very and extremes in mid-latitude weather environmental pro- on sea ice variability wet area with ample water resources, and climate has also received recent tection. and the role of sea the availability of freshwater is quite media attention – often with conflict- ice and snow cover in limited. Annual precipitation over the ing interpretations about the Arctic’s weather and climate. entire U.S. Arctic is less than that of any role. Accurately conveying the evolving western U.S. state, including Wyoming state of scientific knowledge about Arc-

The Circle 1.2015 29 CLIMATE CHANGE For people and the environment Climate change means life change in the Arctic. EIRIK SIVERTSEN says the coming COP 21 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Cli- mate Change) meeting in Paris in 2015 will be an opportunity for the incoming US Chair- manship of the Arctic Council to send a strong message about the changes we are wit- nessing and the consequences of climate change in the Arctic.

HUMANKIND FACES unprecedented chal- edge about the effects of climate change eign nations. But we can promote the lenges and opportunities from climate in the Arctic. We have to remember that exchange of good practices. There are a and environmental change, shifting eco- the Arctic is not just one place. In the lot of good examples. We will keep on nomic conditions, Arctic, each place differs a lot from the encouraging governments, companies EIRIK SIVERTSEN food and water next. and others who operate in the Arctic to is a Labour security, energy Governing the Arctic is not only an continue to explore new ways of involv- Party member and socioeconomic international or national concern – it ing local and regional stakeholders in all of Norway’s development, is first and foremost a concern for decision making processes. parliament national security, the inhabitants of the north. We can- and chair of the and changes in pop- not, and do not wish to, dictate how INNOVATION AND EDUCATION Standing Committee ulation and demo- the different countries in the Arctic Developing natural resources involves of Arctic Parliamentar- graphics. While govern their land. They are all sover- additional risks to the local environ- ians. these trends are ment and to the societies concerned. global in character, For the local people to accept this risk they disproportion- MANY COMMUNITIES IN as worthwhile, they need to be able to ally affect the Arctic region, which pro- THE ARCTIC STRUGGLE see the benefits from the activity. Thus, vides major challenges as well as new strong partnerships between Arctic socioeconomic development opportuni- WITH INCREASED COSTS communities, business and govern- ties. Climate change makes the Arctic ments are crucial. more accessible and integrated within OF LIVING AND THE HIGH We call for broader cooperation the global economy, with extensive between the Arctic states to enable local socioeconomic implications. PRICE OF ENERGY. THE US residents to make use of new opportuni- As Arctic parliamentarians, we are CHAIRMANSHIP SHOULD ties in the Arctic. As many of the chal- committed to stay focused on the situ- lenges and opportunities facing the peo- ation of people living in the Arctic, who ADDRESS HOW WE CAN ples of the Arctic are similar, we should are experiencing the changes first hand. address innovative capacity building In building on the knowledge and expe- SHARE AND UTILIZE and economic development together. riences of the people in the Arctic, we This is why the US should put innova- can shape a sustainable future both for EXISTING TECHNOLO- tion on the agenda for Arctic coopera- them and the environment. We must GIES AND AFFORDABLE tion. The Arctic parliamentarians pro- develop diversified economies in the pose establishing an Arctic innovation Arctic to build sustainable societies, and ENERGY GENERATION. system linking the scientific community, work together to develop better knowl- the business sector, political society and

30 The Circle 1.2015 fish stocks further north, and enhanced tourism opportunities all result in a need for considerable infrastructure investments in the Arctic. Increased maritime activities lead to increased demand for search and rescue ser- vices, ports, navigational aids, adequate charts, etc., which may come into place faster, better and less costly if all Arctic nations pull their resources together. Enhanced Arctic cooperation when develop- ing infrastructure will also improve the possibilities for travelling east-west in the North, and not only north-south. A connected topic is the cost of living in the Arc- tic. Many communities in the Arctic struggle with increased costs of living and the high price of ener- gy. The US Chairmanship should address how we can share and utilize existing technologies and afford- Photo: Roderick Phillip able energy generation. We Makenzie Phillip with her catch during a spring seal hunt should look at how deploy- local populations, for instance through their adaptive capacity to change are ment practices, particularly an Arctic mentorship and mobility pro- important contributions to added value. in remote communities, can reduce the gram. Initiatives such as the Arctic Indig- cost of energy, reduce carbon emissions, We strongly recommend strengthen- enous Peoples´ Culinary Institute and support infrastructure development, ing and expanding student exchange the Arctic Council Indigenous Youth and contribute to the well-being of programs as a way to increase knowl- Engagement Leadership Program need residents of the Arctic. New innovative edge sharing and build capacity. Stu- to be supported and further developed. solutions in this area would be valu- dent exchanges strengthen the northern It is vital that capacity development is able contributions in the global effort to identity and shared community of the rooted in and relevant for the people reduce black carbon emissions. students, who share and learn new skills living in the region itself. The 11th Conference of Parliamentar- which are directly relevant for their ians of the Arctic Region took place in further studies and work in their home INFRASTRUCTURE AND Whitehorse 9-11 September 2014. The community. ENERGY proposals presented in this article and The innovation taking place in Arc- Increase in polar shipping, greater more can be found in the Conference tic Indigenous societies to strengthen access to natural resources, shifting of Statement from the conference.

The Circle 1.2015 31 Return WWF Global Arctic Programme 275 Slater Street, Suite 810, Ottawa ON, K1P 5H9, CANADA

THE PICTURE Old mystery solved Photo:

This sonar generated image shows the wreck of HMS Erebus on the ocean floor of the coast of King William Island, Nunavut, Canada. The combination of state-of-the-art technology with 19th century Inuit oral testimony led to the discovery of one of the two ships from the English explorer Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 arctic voyage. All the 129 expedition members perished. In 2014, the Strait Expedition led by Parks Canada solved the mystery of the ship's location. (Source: Parks Canada)

Why we are here To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

www.panda.org/arctic