Arctic Chemical Threats, Arctic Tourism, Conflict Potential in the Arctic, and Arctic Cables

Dear readers, welcome to the 20th edition of Arctic Highlights! So many interesting research articles on the Arctic in the last weeks. I hope you find this material useful and provide your thoughts for meaningful discussion!

Arctic Pollution and Emerging Chemical Threats

Let's look at the new article "The role of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) in reducing pollution of the Arctic and around the globe" by Lars-Otto Reiersen, Katrin Vorkamp, and Roland Kallenborn. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) is an initiative that has played a fundamental role in coordinating monitoring and assessments of environmental pollution across countries and parameters for the entire Arctic region. It was established to address environmental and human health issues in the Arctic, including those related to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury, radioactivity, oil, acidification, and climate change. AMAP's scientific results have contributed to defining and implementing measures to reduce pollution not only in the Arctic but also globally, especially focusing on the contaminant exposure of indigenous and local communities with a traditional lifestyle. The Arctic Council provides the political framework for AMAP's work, and the Senior Arctic Officials (SAOs), representatives of the Arctic countries' ministries of foreign affairs overseeing the work of the Arctic Council between ministerial meetings, provide guidance and support to AMAP.

Among the most substantial releases of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and heavy metals have emanated from extensive smelting operations situated in Norilsk on the Taimyr Peninsula and on the Kola Peninsula since the 1930s (see Fig. 1). Notably, these smelters lacked filtration systems to mitigate emissions, consequently causing considerable contamination of both proximate and remote forested areas and freshwater ecosystems. The repercussions of this unmitigated release extend to regions well beyond the immediate vicinity of the smelters (See Fig1). If you have ever travelled to Nikel in Russia, you may have witnessed the desolation of the dead forest.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) observed in the Arctic ecosystems and humans originated from all over the Northern Hemisphere and were transported to the Arctic by the atmosphere, rivers, and oceans. The changing climate influenced the fate of contaminants in the Arctic. The study documented that in addition to the long-range transport of contaminants, local emission sources existed that led to the contamination of drinking water and ecosystems at large, mainly connected to old military installations. The assessment identified several new chemicals in Arctic ecosystems and documented the influence of changing climate on the fate of contaminants in the Arctic. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has identified new chemicals in Arctic ecosystems labeled as Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEACs). These substances, including PFAS, SCCPs, HBCDs, DP, TNPP, TCEP, TDCIPP, BPA, and phthalates, are worrisome due to their long-range transport and/or local emission sources. They pose a potential risk of accumulation in Arctic ecosystems, leading to biomagnification in the food chain. This could result in harmful chemical exposure for Arctic coastal populations, especially through the consumption of traditional foods like marine mammals, which are high in fat.

New Sources of Drinking Water in the Arctic

"Development of multiple taliks near settlements on Svalbard – a new source of drinking water for the High Arctic?" by Sinitsyn et al. (2023) discusses a new source of drinking water in the Arctic.

Taliks are defined as layers or bodies of unfrozen ground within a permafrost area due to local thermal, hydrological, hydrogeological, or hydrochemical anomalies. They can form under continuous permafrost conditions when heat is transferred from a river or lake to the surrounding permafrost, causing it to thaw and form a talik. Taliks can also form due to other factors such as geothermal heat flux, snow accumulation, and vegetation cover.

These taliks are located in close proximity to settlements and could potentially serve as a new source of drinking water for the High Arctic. The researchers suggest that these findings have important implications for water resource management in the Arctic, particularly in the context of climate change.

Development of Far East and Arctic Vital for Russia's Future

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the development of the Far East and the Arctic is a crucial factor for Russia's future, emphasizing that the leadership of the country has been actively engaged in projects for the development of these regions since the early 2000s. Putin highlighted the significance of these territories due to logistics, production, and mineral resources, stating that they are essential for the country's future. He underscored the vastness and sparsely populated nature of the Far East, pointing out its strategic importance in the rapidly developing economic landscape, particularly in Asia. Putin emphasized the intentional focus on the region's development, aligning with global economic trends and opportunities for trade and technological partnerships.

Vladimir Putin emphasized the significance of developing the Russian Far East, stating,

"We paid attention to this, we are paying attention, and we will continue to pay attention in the future because, undoubtedly, the future of the country depends on it. The same goes for the Arctic. Here, logistics, production, mineral resources—all of these territories need to be developed."

This statement was made in response to journalists' questions in Moscow on January 14. (See source: here)

Connectivity in Arctic Tourism

The article "Rethinking connectivity in Arctic tourism development" by Carina Ren et al.(2024) published in the Annals of Tourism Research, investigates tourism development in Greenland with a focus on connectivity.

Connectivity, as discussed in the article, encompasses both physical and relational aspects. Physical connectivity involves the infrastructure, such as airports and transportation networks, that enables tourists to reach and move within a destination. Relational connectivity, on the other hand, involves coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, and tourism operators, to ensure a seamless and positive tourist experience.

The study explores how different configurations of connectivity play out in the development of Greenland as a tourist destination. It considers factors such as policy coordination and capacity management, emphasizing that connectivity goes beyond the mere construction of physical infrastructures. The authors argue for a broader understanding of destination connectiveness that includes the socio-technical and relational aspects influencing tourism development. The study explores challenges and opportunities arising from vast distances and limited accessibility. Drawing on interviews, workshops, and policy analysis, the research identifies three critical issues in Greenlandic tourism: governance, tourism data, and capacity. The authors argue that Greenland is not a singularly connected destination but comprises several partially connected destinations. The study underscores the need for tailored and sensitive tourism policymaking, considering geographical and situational differences, for sustainable development. The analysis also discusses the role of airports and their perceived impact on tourism development in Greenland.

Analysis of Conflict Potential in the Arctic

The article titled "Strained Relations in the High North: Steps-to-War Analysis of Conflict Potential in the Arctic," authored by Tomá? Vl?ek, Martin Chovan?ík, Kate?ina Uhlí?ová, and Martin Jiru?ek, was published on January 11, 2024. The main finding of the study revolves around assessing the conflict potential in the Arctic following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia.

The authors utilize a steps-to-war model to analyze various markers of conflict escalation in the region. The results indicate an increase in confrontational behavior, as evidenced by militarization and coalition-building markers. However, notably, the marker for rivalry demonstrates a simultaneous rise in cooperative behavior among Arctic states.

The analysis suggests that, according to their model, the preconditions signaling an increased likelihood of international armed conflict in the Arctic are not met. Despite heightened tensions and renewed geopolitical rivalry, the presence of cooperative behavior among the Arctic states adds complexity to the overall situation in the region.

Early Career Polar Researchers in a Changing Climate

The article titled "Empowering Early Career Polar Researchers in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions" by Adina Moraru et al. (2024) addresses the profound challenges faced by Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the field of polar research amid the rapidly changing landscape of climate. ECRs encounter obstacles such as intense competition for funding, shifting research priorities, and limited data sharing. The paper underscores the additional stressors, including premature retirement pressures on senior scientists, gender inequalities, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The challenges are not only limited to the professional realm but also extend to societal and environmental aspects, requiring comprehensive solutions for the holistic empowerment of ECRs in polar sciences.

Solutions Proposed:

1. Increase funding opportunities for ECR-led projects.
2. Foster cooperation with local communities to reduce ecological footprints.
3. Encourage data sharing through open databases and platforms.
4. Establish a support network for mentorship and career advancement, emphasizing diversity.

Arctic from Space

The second hydro-meteorological satellite, "Arktika-M" No. 2, launched in December of the previous year from Baikonur, has transmitted its inaugural image, as disclosed by Roscosmos on its Telegram channel. Roscosmos highlighted that all operational systems of the spacecraft are functioning normally. The "Arktika-M" meteorological satellites, based on the standardized "Navigator" platform produced by the Scientific and Production Association (NPO) named after S. A. Lavochkin, are designed to provide continuous, all-weather monitoring of the Earth's surface and the Northern Ice Ocean seas. Additionally, these satellites ensure constant and reliable communication and can relay signals from radio beacons of the international search and rescue system COSPAS-SARSAT. Launched on December 16, 2023, the "Arktika-M" constellation was initially planned to consist of two satellites, but in December 2022, NPO Lavochkin announced an expansion to four satellites, intending to halve the imaging periodicity. The full deployment of the "Arktika-M" constellation is projected to be completed by 2031. (source: here)

: Data Sovereignty and Geopolitics

In our latest article in Submarine Telecoms Forum, Inc. co-authored with Bjorn Ronning we discuss The document discusses the significance of subsea cables as critical infrastructure and the potential consequences of disruptions in their data flow. These cables are crucial for digital sovereignty as they carry over 99% of internet traffic. Ownership of these cables allows control over data flow and the possibility of surveillance or cutting off communications during conflicts. The document also mentions a recent incident in the Arctic involving a damaged cable, which has raised concerns about potential man-made attacks. Although evidence of cybercrime is currently lacking, the incident emphasizes the importance of protecting submarine data cable networks.

New developments highlight the increasing importance of Arctic cables for connectivity, infrastructure security, and digital sovereignty. The Arctic region is becoming a key area of focus for various countries and organizations, leading to the deployment of undersea cables and the advancement of connectivity infrastructure. (read more in the magazine p.68-72).

Are you coming to Arctic Frontiers in Troms?? I am looking forward to taking part in the side-events and attending the Conference Let me know if you would like to arrange a meeting with me.

Yours,

Alexandra Middleton