The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of May 11, 2020
University of Greenland and University of Iceland Open Again
Universities in the High North are gradually welcoming students and staff back onto campus grounds. The University of Greenland reopened their campus on April 27th, followed by the University of Iceland on May 4th. Finnish authorities are allowing university activities to continue in person as of May 14th; however, universities are urging staff to continue to work remotely if possible. Meanwhile, other universities in the region are remaining cautious and are keeping classes online until the end of spring. Decisions regarding in-person instruction in the fall are yet to be made (High North News).
Take 1: Juggling between keeping operations as close to business as usual, exercising great caution during a global pandemic, and ensuring those affected have sufficient resources, is a difficult conundrum government officials have to wrestle with. While efforts to physically distance in hopes of not overwhelming the healthcare system is imperative, halting all operations until a vaccine is discovered is simply not feasible. Though each Arctic nation has experienced a different magnitude of COVID-19 infection within its population, universities across the Arctic will surely be looking to Greenland and Iceland in the coming months to better understand if opening campus grounds can be done without experiencing a massive outbreak.
Arctic Inspiration Prize Wants Applications
The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) team is calling on Northerners to use their time in isolation to band together virtually, and pitch ideas that will better their communities. Previous winners include the Chesterfield Inlet Qajaq program that teaches youth to build qajaqs and learn how to paddle. The annual prize money amounts to $3 million spread over three categories: youth, AIP, and a grand prize of $1 million. Interested contestants have to note that a letter of intent is due by September, and the deadline for final applications is in October (Arctic Inspiration Prize, Cabin Radio).
Take 2: While the extended time in isolation can feel daunting at times, the AIP serves as a way to channel this energy into a community-oriented project. The Arctic is a unique region that deserves to be celebrated. With the help of the AIP, contestants have a springboard to innovate and tackle Arctic-specific challenges.
Two Drilling Rigs Set Course For Barents Sea
On May 12th, Norway’s Petroleum Directorate announced two well drilling operations in the Northern Barents Sea. Globally, oil prices are dropping to their lowest level in 20 years causing oil companies to cut their investments and potentially lay off thousands of workers. Locally, Norwegian waters, while once highly sought after, are no longer garnering interest from companies after a series of dry wells. Given the situation, the Norwegian government has put together a support package to back the oil industry, but critics emphasize this subsidy does not protect the livelihoods of those who may lose their job (Barents Observer).
Take 3: The energy landscape throughout much of the world is currently in great flux. While subsidies from the government are a tool that can help the oil industry remain afloat, the long-term plan remains a concern. Alternatively, the current setback the oil industry is experiencing may serve as a window for a rise in investments in the renewable energy industry.
Record Early Ice Break-Up in Great Siberian River
Following an extraordinarily warm winter and spring, the ice on the Yenisey River that originates in Mongolia has melted almost two weeks earlier than normal. The resulting ice-break is pushing thousands of tons of river ice through the Siberian waterway towards the Arctic Ocean. This is a cause of concern for residents of Dudinka, Russia where continued sea level rise may lead to their relocation (Barents Observer).
Take 4: The evacuation of residents who live in places vulnerable to rising sea levels is an inevitable consequence of climate change. For many of these communities, their way of living is deeply related to their immediate surroundings. The Arctic is an unquestionably unique region with cultures and practices that are being threatened.
CFC Replacements are a Source of Persistent Organic Pollution
On May 14th, researchers from the University of Alberta released a study revealing that compounds meant to replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been found in the Canadian Arctic. The implications of this study have yet to be fully investigated, but the accumulation of the CFC-replacements in the Devon Ice Cap are leading scientists to think the replacement compounds may be just as concerning as CFCs. Preliminary studies of the degradation products of the CFC-replacements have shown that they are toxic to plants and invertebrates (Science Daily).
Take 5: The Montreal Protocol ban on CFCs that destroy the ozone layer is a classic case study wherein international cooperation put a stop to what could have been an environmental catastrophe. Going forward due diligence is also needed when researching replacement chemicals. If not, a catastrophe might still be on the horizon.