October 22 2008
RV Polarstern returns home after expedition through the Northeast, Northwest Passages
The German research vessel Polarstern has returned today to Bremerhaven from the Arctic Sea. It has cruised as the first research vessel ever both the Northeast and the Northwest Passages and thereby circled the North Pole. The third part of the research vessel’s 23rd Arctic expedition, operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute in the Helmholtz Association, started its journey on August 12th in Reykjavik and ended it on October 17th in Bremerhaven. The ship travelled a distance of 10.800 nautical miles, equivalent to 20.000 kilometres. On board were 47 researchers from 12 nations, for example from Belgium, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia and the USA. Because of the small ice cover, the expedition members were able to research hitherto uncharted waters. The small sea ice cover presents a cause for concern regarding climate change in the Arctic Ocean. The aim of this expedition was to gather data on the development of the geology of the Arctic area.
October 20 2008 Arctic domino effect from global warming
Climate change is shown most clearly in the Arctic where the effect on environment is dramatic and wide-ranging. This year, Arctic air temperature was five degrees above the average and ice melting the second most comprehensive on record.
Temperature increase, a near record loss of summer sea ice, and continuing melting of the surface ice on Greenland are important indicators of the dramatic temperature increase in the Arctic. Both within and beyond the Arctic, the implications of global warming and declining sea ice are enormous.
October 15 2008 Russia’s Arctic plan
New offshore hydrocarbon fields are to be opened, oil and gas production boosted, the shelf delineated, fish catch increased and shipping along the Northern Sea Route vitalized. That is some of the plans for the Arctic laid down in the Russian government’s national social and economic development programme for the period until year 2020.
The programme, which covers the whole range of Russian society and economy, was adopted by government on October 1. The document, which includes a major stress on the strengthening of an innovative Russian economy, also highlights Russia’s plans for the Arctic.
October 13 2008 EU with Arctic focus
The European Union has for long neglected involvement in the arctic region of Europe. The European Commission has voted for a report which will put flesh on the bones of the EU’s Arctic policy.
Seven months ago the European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, warned about the risks to international stability form the intensified competition between countries in the Arctic region. This week's voting in the European Parliament will push for an international treaty for the protection of the Arctic, according to Financial Times writer Tony Barber.
The problem of the Arctic is that there are no comprehensive rules governing how states behave and no joint system for managing fish stocks. When it comes to oil and gas exploitation, there are no common regulations for this either. According to the US Geological Survey report, the Arctic accounts for about 22 percent of the worlds undiscovered oil and gas resources.
October 6 2008 Non-Arctic countries want membership in Arctic Council
There is a growing non-arctic interest in the Arctic Council. Among them are Italy and China.
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said his country wants to become member of the organisation because of “the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Arctic region”, Rosbaltnord.ru reports with reference to Izvestia.
The country is not alone. According to Norwegian Ambassador to the organisation, Karsten Klepsvik, also nations like China, Great Britain, Spain and France would like to join the international collaborative body.
