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The Arctic or High North will be one of the regions being considerably affected by climate change. Temperatures are expected to rise more and quicker up there than anywhere else. Studies like the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) predict a temperature rise between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius in the Arctic at the end of this decade. Other models predict an ice-free Arctic Ocean already during the summer months of 2040.
This development points to the considerable economic and political potential of the High North, including great possibilities and numerous challenges. Most striking is the growing importance of energy in the Arctic region as the area becomes more accessible for the exploitation of Arctic hydrocarbon resources. Technical advances and high energy prices corresponding with increasing demand for energy worldwide make such an endeavour profitable. The development of new sea navigation routes through climate change will help to secure access to energy for Arctic petroleum extraction and will considerably shorten the distance between Europe and North America to Asia. Besides the increasing possibilities for energy exploitation, transport and fishing the environmental dangers connected to the increased human activity and economic interests in the area have also to be taken into account, not least the effects of climate change threatening the traditional livelihoods of the indigenous populations. In that sense the European Union Commission’s Communication emphasises that the exploitation of Arctic hydrocarbon resources and the opening of new navigation routes can be of benefit, provided it is done in full respect of the highest environmental standards. (“Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: The European Union and the Arctic Region”, Brussels 20 November 2008, p. 7)
The supply of more natural resources through the reduction of Arctic sea ice could also lead to heightened rivalry between various actors, for example concerning sovereignty issues between the eight Arctic states (US, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Iceland). Furthermore, in connection with Russia’s renewed self-assertiveness European states are increasingly concerned about threats to the stability and security of existing supplies of energy and are therefore looking for alternative measures for securing their energy demands. The High North might offer alternative and safer supplies.
The growing interest in the High North is not limited to the countries possessing soil in the area. Rather numerous actors on the international scene including states and private interests show increasingly keen interests in the High North. Consequently, in order to secure the sustainable exploration of natural resources in the Arctic in due respect of the indigenous livelihoods a multilateral approach encompassing all main actors (countries, organisations, interest groups etc.) has to be the main aim.
Kathrin
The Arctic or High North will be one of the regions being considerably affected by climate change. Temperatures are expected to rise more and quicker up there than anywhere else. Studies like the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) predict a temperature rise between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius in the Arctic at the end of this decade. Other models predict an ice-free Arctic Ocean already during the summer months of 2040.
This development points to the considerable economic and political potential of the High North, including great possibilities and numerous challenges. Most striking is the growing importance of energy in the Arctic region as the area becomes more accessible for the exploitation of Arctic hydrocarbon resources. Technical advances and high energy prices corresponding with increasing demand for energy worldwide make such an endeavour profitable. The development of new sea navigation routes through climate change will help to secure access to energy for Arctic petroleum extraction and will considerably shorten the distance between Europe and North America to Asia. Besides the increasing possibilities for energy exploitation, transport and fishing the environmental dangers connected to the increased human activity and economic interests in the area have also to be taken into account, not least the effects of climate change threatening the traditional livelihoods of the indigenous populations. In that sense the European Union Commission’s Communication emphasises that the exploitation of Arctic hydrocarbon resources and the opening of new navigation routes can be of benefit, provided it is done in full respect of the highest environmental standards. (“Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: The European Union and the Arctic Region”, Brussels 20 November 2008, p. 7)
The supply of more natural resources through the reduction of Arctic sea ice could also lead to heightened rivalry between various actors, for example concerning sovereignty issues between the eight Arctic states (US, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Iceland). Furthermore, in connection with Russia’s renewed self-assertiveness European states are increasingly concerned about threats to the stability and security of existing supplies of energy and are therefore looking for alternative measures for securing their energy demands. The High North might offer alternative and safer supplies.
The growing interest in the High North is not limited to the countries possessing soil in the area. Rather numerous actors on the international scene including states and private interests show increasingly keen interests in the High North. Consequently, in order to secure the sustainable exploration of natural resources in the Arctic in due respect of the indigenous livelihoods a multilateral approach encompassing all main actors (countries, organisations, interest groups etc.) has to be the main aim.
Kathrin
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