The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of October 12, 2020
A Taste of the Tropics in the Arctic
On October 14, it was reported that researchers at the Vavilov Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources had experimented with growing melons and watermelons up north in Apatity, in the Murmansk region. The fruit had been grown in greenhouses without the help of additional lighting, heating and fertilizers before comparing it with fruit grown at a station further south in the Krasnodar Territory. The results showed that the watermelons and melons grown up north have similar taste and biochemical composition to the ones grown in the south. In the future the scientists will try to grow kiwis and grapes. (arctic.ru, WorldFood Moscow)
Take 1: This is yet another example of a country that uses every opportunity possible to advance itself in the Arctic region. As the temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, Russia is aware that it becomes easier to grow fruits and vegetables in the region without additional heat. Experimenting with growing such products in the north can not only increase the country’s scientific knowledge, but if successful also make it more economical as fruits and vegetables no longer have to be transported long distances to reach isolated Arctic and sub-Arctic communities. In addition, it has the potential to help Russia become even more food secure in the future as it doesn’t have to be as dependent on imports of fruits and vegetables from countries with warmer climates. Currently, Russia imports nearly $5 billion in fruits and vegetables annually. A history of sanctions and rivalry with other countries doesn’t make this an ideal situation for the country to be in. It therefore comes as no surprise that Russia wants to be innovative and invest and diversify its own agricultural sector if possible.
Largest Arctic Expedition Finishes Year of Study
On October 12, the German research vessel Polarstern returned from its €130 million ($150 million) historic Arctic expedition after setting off from Tromsø, Norway on September 20, 2019. The expedition, named Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) is the largest Arctic expedition to date, and involved around 500 researchers and support staff from more than 70 institutions in 20 different countries. The ship drifted with the sea ice through the Arctic Ocean following the footsteps of Norwegian polar researcher Fridtjof Nansen in 1893-1896. The goal was to obtain a better understanding of how the ocean and atmosphere respond to global warming. (BBC, mosaic-expedition.org, Phys.org)
Take 2: The expedition was successful because even though the Coronavirus pandemic made things more complicated logistically in terms of staff exchange and resupply missions, the researchers were still able to collect important data on five subareas: the atmosphere; sea ice; ocean; ecosystems and biogeochemistry. Results of these studies will now be examined and analyzed to advance our knowledge about the Earth’s climate system and its changes. The hope is that the research can assist in creating a computer model that can better project accurate models of future climate change. Going forward, the information once properly analyzed, can be used to better inform political decisions that can help mitigate climate change.
Norway to Provide Air Ambulance Jet in the North as Part of EU Program
As part of its contribution to an EU program supporting the transportation of patients with serious infectious diseases, the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services decided to place an ambulance jet in the northern city of Tromsø. The Ministry has stated that according to the agreement the EU will pay fully for the service from 2021-2026. The expenses are set to cover training, preparations, buying planes, and acquiring medical equipment. Discussions are still ongoing about the planes’ use for other medical missions when it’s not conducting its EU missions. (High North News)
Take 3: Norwegian communities in the north, specifically in Svalbard, have been asking for such a jet plane for years. Current propeller planes need over two hours to go between Tromsø, and carry a much lighter load than jet planes, which only take about an hour and a half. For medical emergencies, time is a critical factor. Discussions on an ambulance jet plane have been ongoing since 2016 so it’s a positive step that it now looks like Northern Norway will get one. It remains to be seen how much use local communities will get out of it when it’s not on EU medical missions, but having the capability in place will be critical for the Arctic regions.
Norwegian Caves Could Soon Host U.S. Nuclear Submarines
On October 10, Norway’s state broadcasting company, NRK, reported that there is a potential for U.S. nuclear submarines to utilize a former Royal Norwegian Navy base at Olavsvern, a site located near Tromsø, under a mountain, and less than 300 miles from Russia. The site, currently managed by a privately-owned company, encompasses a total area of approximately 270,000 sqft providing deep-water docking space, areas for maintenance, barracks and other facilities. The U.S. conducts submarine operations in Arctic areas, with Norway currently providing logistical support when requested. Final decisions have not been made with other options available. (NRK, The WarZone)
Take 4: It is important to note that while the site at Olavsvern has a lot of positives, in order for it to become a future site of U.S. Nuclear Submarines it would have to be updated to meet future U.S. needs. It would be a less than subtle move by the U.S. if it was to go down the route of updating and staffing such a large facility. The U.S. currently does submarine operations in the area. In September the USS Seawolf surfaced around Tromsø, an area where the government has announced its plans to expand facilities at its ports to better accommodate U.S. submarines. If this arrangement works now and continues to work in the future, there might be no need to utilize Olavsvern.
Launching Satellites from the Arctic
On October 15, it was reported that the Swedish government had granted Esrange Space Center, located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, 90 million kr (€8,6 million.) Since its establishment in 1972, the state-owned space center has been launching sounding rockets and research balloons. Now with the additional funding it will seek to become the first space center north of the Arctic Circle to provide facilities for launching satellites into orbit by 2022. (The Barents Observer)
Take 5: Although Russia was the first country to launch satellites from the northern latitudes in 1998, it is still a big achievement if Sweden can become the first country to launch a satellite from a space center north of the Arctic Circle and establish itself as a facility for future launches. It definitely means that Sweden can become a “launching state,” providing a capability that only a few countries have. It can give Sweden an advantage when it comes to future research, technology development, and seeking and encouraging international collaboration. Comprehensive research, improved technology and strong international collaboration are very much welcome as there is an urgent need to solve the looming threat of a real climate crisis.