Arctic and Third Pole, Arctic Space Race, Arctic Beyond Maps and Borders

The Arctic and Third Pole’s Global Significance

In the latest episode of “Global Perspectives,” Dr. Kamrul Hossain , Director and Research Professor at the Northern Institute of Environmental and Minority Law at the Arctic Center, University of Lapland, was interviewed

Main Topics:

1. Climate Change Impact: The Arctic and the Third Pole are experiencing rapid temperature rises, leading to significant ice melt and rising sea levels.
2. Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous knowledge is highly valued and institutionalized in the Arctic, serving as a model for other regions.
3. International Collaboration: Shared security concerns in the Arctic and the Third Pole can foster international cooperation on environmental protection and human security.
4. Legal Challenges: The Arctic faces legal challenges due to new human activities, with regulatory frameworks addressing some issues but having gaps.

The Third Pole, also known as the Hindukush Himalayan region, is crucial in understanding climate change impacts and developing adaptation strategies. It faces similar challenges as the Arctic, such as rapid temperature rises and glacier melt, which affect water security and contribute to rising sea levels. The region’s traditional knowledge and practices, like creating artificial glaciers, offer valuable solutions for climate adaptation. International collaboration and learning from the Arctic’s institutionalized indigenous knowledge can enhance efforts to address climate change in the Third Pole

Russia’s Strategic Development of 16 Key Regions

Russian Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, Alexei Chekunkov, announced the development of 16 key settlements in the Russian Arctic zone during a video address at the Arctic Salon in St. Petersburg. These settlements, home to over 1.5 million people, will receive systematic state support and comprehensive socio-economic development plans up to 2035. The comprehensive plans will be presented to the President of Russia and are expected to be approved by November 1.

This development is crucial as it aims to transform these settlements into regional growth engines, enhancing infrastructure, accessibility, and economic opportunities. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of the Northern Sea Route, the “Arctic Hectare” program, and reducing the cost of goods in northern regions. The Arctic Salon, held from August 23 to 25, highlights the strategic significance of the Arctic for Russia’s future and its role in promoting sustainable development and innovation in the region (Source: here)

Arctic Space Race

In an article titled “The Race for Arctic Dominance Has Entered Space ,” published on August 26, 2024, the strategic importance of the Arctic region is highlighted. Written by Klaus Dodds the article discusses the recent launch of a Falcon 9 rocket by Elon Musk’s SpaceX from a space force base in California. This mission, known as the ‘Arctic satellite broadband mission’ (ASBM), involved transporting two Northrop Grumman-built satellites for Space Norway in collaboration with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. These satellites are designed to orbit above the North Pole, enhancing mobile broadband coverage in the Arctic region for both military and civilian use.

The article emphasizes the current race for space, particularly in the Arctic, a region spanning over 5 million square miles, with half of it controlled by the Russian Federation. The geopolitical significance of the Arctic has grown, leading to increased investments in strategic infrastructure and satellite-based capabilities.

The article underscores the importance of maintaining high levels of situational awareness and satellite-based capabilities in the Arctic region. As global powers continue to invest in strategic infrastructure and enhance their presence in this geopolitically significant area, it is crucial for nations to stay vigilant and prepared. The ongoing race for space dominance in the Arctic highlights the need for robust communication networks and advanced technological solutions to ensure regional security and stability.

Redefining Arctic Sovereignty: Beyond Maps and Borders

The article “Sovereignty Cubed: The Arctic as a Territorial and Ontological Volume” by Corine Wood-Donnelly published in the European Journal of Social Theory, challenges the traditional view of Arctic sovereignty. Instead of seeing it as just land and sea on a map, Wood-Donnelly argues that we should think of it in three dimensions, including airspace, the earth’s crust, and the water column.

Traditionally, territory is seen in two dimensions: length and width. This view, often visualized on a map, doesn’t capture the full picture of sovereignty, especially in the Arctic. Wood-Donnelly suggests that we need to consider the vertical dimension too, which includes atmospheric altitude and oceanic depth. This three-dimensional perspective, called “territorial volume,” helps us understand how Arctic states control and claim authority over areas that extend vertically beyond just the land and sea surface.

?Northern Sea Route: Emerging Competitor in Global Oil Trade

The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is becoming increasingly relevant for oil transport, with the first Azerbaijani tanker recently navigating this route. According to LSEG, the tanker, managed by Vista Vvave Shipmanagement, is currently in the Kara Sea. This indicates that the NSR is starting to compete with the Suez Canal. This season, six ships have transported 600,000 tons of Russian oil via the NSR.

Despite the high navigation costs, which make China the primary buyer of Russian oil transported through the NSR, the route is gaining popularity. The NSR connects European Russia with the Far East, opening doors to Asian markets, including China. The Chinese government and major companies are investing in this route, with Tianjin radio station providing weather and ice condition forecasts for NSR ships.

However, the growth rate is slower than initially planned. The Russian government approved a development plan for the NSR until 2035, with an annual cargo flow target of 80 million tons by 2024. Vice Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that the actual cargo volume for 2024 would be around 40 million tons, half of the target. The complexity of organizing maritime transport in the Arctic, requiring high ice-class tankers, and sanctions affecting tanker construction, contribute to this slower growth.

The NSR is not limited to the Chinese market. According to Tamara Safonova, CEO of NAANS-MEDIA, oil from the Arctic is also transported to India, Oman, and Myanmar. In July 2024, the distribution of Arctic oil from Murmansk was as follows:

?Country??????????? Percentage

India???????????????? 49%

China??????????????? 29%

Oman?????????????? 11%

Myanmar??????? 11%

This data shows that the NSR can technically deliver oil to Asian markets, with the main challenge being the global market price dynamics.

?(Source: here )

For all my readers that are in Oulu, I hope to see you at the Arctic Frontiers event on 3-4, September!

Have an amazing weekend!

Yours,

Alexandra Middleton