scholarly journals How Does the Arctic Council Support Conservation of Arctic Biodiversity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5042
Author(s):  
Tom Barry ◽  
Brynhildur Daviðsdóttir ◽  
Níels Einarsson ◽  
Oran R. Young
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
National Interests ◽  
Conflicting Demands ◽  
Agent Of Change ◽  
Insight Into

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among Arctic states, indigenous communities, and peoples on issues of common importance. The rising geo-political importance of the Arctic and the onset of climate change has resulted in the Council becoming a focus of increasing interest from both inside and beyond the Arctic. This has resulted in new demands placed on the Council, attracting an increasing number of participants, and instigating a period of transformation as Arctic states work to find a way to balance conflicting demands to improve the Council’s effectiveness and take care of national interests. This paper considers whether, during this time of change, the Council is having an impact on the issues it was formed to address, i.e., environmental protection and sustainable development. To provide answers, it looks at how the Council reports on and evaluates progress towards the implementation of recommendations it makes regarding biodiversity, how it identifies where activities have had impacts and uncovers the mechanisms through which they were successful, to provide an insight into how the Arctic Council can be an agent of change.

scholarly journals Fuzzy Signals to Potential Observer States in the Arctic Council

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Alexandra Middleton
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Binary Classification ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Arctic Circle

The attention to the Arctic is fuelled by the prospect of economic development, emerging shipping routes, and changing geopolitics. Since 1996 the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation, has served to foster environmental protection and sustainable development in the region. The Arctic Council is composed of the eight Arctic states with territory north of the Arctic Circle and six Permanent Participants representing Arctic Indigenous People. Since its inception, the Arctic Council has admitted 13 non-Arctic Observer states. However, in 2021 three new candidates (Ireland, Czech Republic, and Estonia) were not successful with their applications despite proven records of Arctic research and influence in the region. This article will elaborate on the dynamics of Observer states admittance to the Arctic Council. Signalling theory is applied in this paper as a theoretical lens. More precisely, this paper will concentrate on fuzzy signalling, because such signals do not fall into binary classification and require a lot of contextual geopolitical information for interpretation. The data consists of research articles, publicly available statements, and media articles. The findings demonstrate that the admittance of Observer states to the Arctic Council can be viewed as fuzzy signalling. This paper will argue that fuzzy signalling is intrinsic to a multi-actor governance forum like the Arctic Council, where decisions are made on a consensus basis.

scholarly journals Arctic Council: Outcome of the First Year of the Icelandic Presidency

2021 ◽  
pp. 186-199
Author(s):  
Valery P. ZHURAVEL ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Russian Far East ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Marine Debris ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
First Year ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
The Impact

In the article based on the report of the Chairman of the Committee of Senior Officials in the Arctic Council, Einar Gunnarsson «Together on the road to a sustainable Arctic: one year in 2019-2021 of the presidency of Iceland», the first year of Iceland’s Arctic Council presidency is reviewed by the Senior Officials Committee. Key priorities for action are identified, which are protecting the Arctic marine envi-ronment, combating ocean acidification; sustainable development of the fisheries sector; reducing ocean pollution; combating marine debris; combating climate change and introducing green energy; ensuring the sustainable development of the indigenous community of the Arctic; continuing to strengthen and enhance the role of the Arctic Council in maintaining peace, international cooperation and political stability in the Arctic region. Also, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Icelandic presidency and the development of Arctic cooperation are being considered. Of interest is the analysis of measures taken to counter the pandemic among the small indigenous communities of the North, Siberia and the Russian Far East. Iceland’s plans for the second year of its chairmanship of the Arctic Council are indicated. The author also discusses Russian-Icelandic cooperation at the current stage in the economic field and in the sphere of interregional relations. It is noted that our countries share a common memory of the joint struggle against fascism, and Russia remembers with gratitude Iceland’s contribution to the formation and support of polar convoys.

scholarly journals 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica: a breakthrough in scientific research is needed

2020 ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Valery Zhuravel ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
National Interests ◽  
Interstate Cooperation ◽  
200Th Anniversary ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
The Russian Federation

The article is devoted to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica under the guidance of 2nd rank captain F. Bellingshausen and lieutenant M. Lazarev. Analyzing the peculiarities of Antarctica, the author notes that this is one of а few regions of our planet, the resources and territory of which are used by various states jointly and exclusively for peaceful purposes for the benefit of science. The article analyzes in detail the celebration of this anniversary in Russia and foreign countries, while paying special attention to the thematic focus of socio-political and scientific events. Considerable attention is paid to the study of the region by Russia and the European States. Interstate cooperation between countries in Antarctica is aimed at finding effective solutions to global problems facing humanity, such as environmental pollution, climate change and its consequences, and the loss of components of biological diversity. It is concluded that despite the fact that Antarctica is traditionally one of the strategic regions for ensuring the national interests and security of our state, the Russian Federation in its state policy in comparison with the Arctic, does not always respond promptly to the existing challenges, does not pay enough attention to improving the research base and living conditions of polar explorers, which negatively affects Russia's positions in Antarctica.

scholarly journals What Can Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Teach Us About Changing Our Approach to Human Activity and Environmental Stewardship in Order to Reduce the Severity of Climate Change?

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John G Hansen ◽  
Rose Antsanen
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Environmental Stewardship ◽  
Fundamental Assumption ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Many Indigenous communities living on traditional lands have not contributed significantly to harmful climate change. Yet, they are the most likely to be impacted by climate change. This article discusses environmental stewardship in relation to Indigenous experiences and worldviews. Indigenous knowledge teaches us about environmental stewardship. It speaks of reducing the severity of climate change and of continued sustainable development. The methodology that directs this research is premised on the notion that the wisdom of the Elders holds much significance for addressing the harmful impacts of climate change in the present day. This article's fundamental assumption is that Indigenous knowledge offers practical and theoretical recommendations to current approaches to human activity and environmental issues. We share findings from interviews with Cree Elders who discussed their worldviews and knowledge systems. Findings revealed that Indigenous knowledge offers a philosophy and practice that serve to reduce the severity of climate change.

8. Arctic futures

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Klaus Dodds ◽  
Jamie Woodward
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Arctic Amplification ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Svalbard Archipelago ◽  
Governance Model

‘Arctic futures’ discusses the future of the Arctic that starts in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard wherein the Global Seed Vault functions as an Arctic sanctuary for the genetic diversity of crops. The Svalbard archipelago is a hotspot of Arctic amplification as rapid warming has been keenly felt by the small community. However, the environmental changes, no matter how stark and widespread, will not dampen interest in economic development and strategic posturing. Arctic states and northern peoples remain eager to improve their social and economic conditions as well as adapt to ongoing climate change. The Arctic is a haven of international peace and cooperation as the Arctic Council is cited as a governance model that others could emulate.

scholarly journals Is It Time for a Reset in Arctic Governance?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oran R. Young
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
The United States ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Peripheral Region ◽  
Great Power ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Ground Zero ◽  
Regime Complex

Conditions in the Arctic today differ from those prevailing during the 1990s in ways that have far-reaching implications for the architecture of Arctic governance. What was once a peripheral region regarded as a zone of peace has turned into ground zero for climate change on a global scale and a scene of geopolitical maneuvering in which Russia is flexing its muscles as a resurgent great power, China is launching economic initiatives, and the United States is reacting defensively as an embattled but still potent hegemon. This article explores the consequences of these developments for Arctic governance and specifically for the role of the Arctic Council. The article canvasses options for adjusting the council’s membership and its substantive remit. It pays particular attention to opportunities for the council to play a role in managing the increasingly complex Arctic regime complex.

scholarly journals International and Domestic Law Dimensions of Climate Justice for Arctic Indigenous Peoples

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 113-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Ann Kronk Warner ◽  
Randall S. Abate
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Indian Country ◽  
Indigenous Nations ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

The Arctic region is in crisis from the effects of climate change. The impacts of climate change pose a particular threat to Arctic indigenous communities. Because of the disproportionate impacts of climate change, these indigenous communities are environmental justice communities. Part I of this article discusses how indigenous nations are environmental justice communities and discusses the unique factors that may apply to environmental justice claims arising in Indian country. The article then presents two case studies to explore how, if at all, these concepts have been previously applied to environmental justice claims brought by various Arctic indigenous communities. Part II addresses the Inuit Circumpolar Conference’s petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Part III considers the Native Village of Kivalina’s lawsuit against numerous private emitters of greenhouse gases. These case studies underscore the failure of international and domestic forums’ consideration of the special situation of Arctic indigenous peoples as environmental justice communities.

Sea route and energy are key to Russia's Arctic vision

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Liquefied Natural Gas ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Russian Arctic ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
National Interests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Control

Subject Russian Arctic update. Significance Russia has identified two key national interests in the Arctic, hydrocarbons development and control over sea routes, and has worked consistently to advance them. Often seen as aggressive by NATO states, Russian efforts to rebuild military capabilities after decades of underfunding are in large part designed to consolidate Moscow's claim to exercise jurisdiction over its Arctic waterway and increase exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil and coal along it. Impacts Russia's new floating nuclear power plant is the first in a series designed to assist remote communities and extractive projects. Warships are being used to stop and inspect small boats in a sign of Moscow's assertion of its claim to control its waters. Russia is part of the MOSAiC project to study the central Arctic and gain insights on climate change.

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