The Arctic This Week January 5 - 11, 2015  photo: Mariusz Kluzniak |
Welcome and thanks for joining us for our first edition of the new year! We hope that you find TATW interesting and entertaining to read. If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can sign up here. As always, all editorial choices, opinions and any mistakes are the authors’ own. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to share material with us if you think it deserves inclusion in TATW. The new year brings new changes here at TATW, and we would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Maura Farrell. Maura joined TATW in February 2013 and co-authored 80 issues between then and December 2014, taking over leadership of the publication in April 2014. Furthermore, she has been singlehandedly producing the beautiful PDF version of TATW since the fall of 2013. Her editorial and managerial duties will be taken over by Doris Friedrich and Caitlin Del Sole, but for the time being, we will no longer have the PDF version of TATW. She will be sorely missed by our staff, and we wish her all the best in her new endeavors and thank her for her long commitment to making this newsletter a success. Today is the final day of our fundraiser to support TATW in 2015. Please consider supporting us this year so our authors can keep working on the newsletter throughout 2015 and put out another 40 stellar issues in 2015! We are hoping to raise sufficient funds to continue the production of all features you have grown used to, including the PDF version of TATW and our list of Arctic conferences and events. Click here to donate.  TAI’s RECENT ACTIVITIES TAI’s Executive Director, Malte Humpert, was cited this week in this New York Times article, commenting on the decline of Northern Sea Route traffic in 2014. Additionally, in a recent interview with Deutsche Welle, Humpert discussed his expectations for the U.S. Arctic Council Chairmanship and reflected on the now ending Canadian Chairmanship. THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES Ukraine Crisis Strains Russo-Finnish Relations A Yle survey of 500 Russian-speakers who live in Finland found that some 66% of respondents “felt the Ukraine conflict had negatively impacted on Russia-Finland relations” (AD). However, another poll by Yle also found that only 1/3 of respondents “feel that Russia could pose a risk in the short term,” with over 60% believing it “unlikely that Russia would threaten security in Finland” (BO). Finally, in a third Yle poll, some 63% of respondents favor an advisory referendum on the subject of whether Finland should join NATO, with previous polls showing that “a solid majority of Finns [are] against joining the military alliance” (EOTA). Polar bears moving north towards the Canadian Archipelago A study published last week onPLOS One looked at the circumpolar genetic structure of polar bears and the effects of a decline in their sea-ice habitat in the last two decades. The researchers found that the polar bears have migrated towards the Canadian Archipelago in the farthest-north part of Canada, which could be a potential future refugium for the animals (PLOS One). This might be explained by the persistence of the sea-ice, which is more likely to stay year-round. But even this region might not be a favourable habitat for the bears for long (AD). A short video of the USGS gives insights into the methods used for the study (USGS). Drastic measures proposed in Greenland In order to save NunaMinerals, a minerals exploration company, from bankruptcy, the newly formed Greenlandic coalition government has suggested a rare measure to write off the company’s share capital, thereby declaring worthless all investments held by the Self-Rule government and essentially nationalizing the firm (Arctic Journal). Walking with Our Sisters exhibit opens The Walking With Our Sisters exhibit, which opened this week in Yellowknife, commemorates the high numbers of missing and murdered aboriginal women and will remain on display until January 24th (CBC). Perhaps even more powerful than the exhibition itself are the stories and discussions heard in the “teach-in” series hosted by local women surrounding the event, which encourage women to share their stories and to accept who they are through conversation (CBC). THE POLITICAL SCENE United States As the Arctic melts, the US needs to pay attention (The Conversation). Canada Europe Kielsen møder Thorning (KNR). ENERGY Shell looks to future in Arctic, while some look to the past Foss Maritime has announced that it is considering leasing dock space in the port of Seattle as a winter home for up to eight vessels that will be supporting Shell’s offshore Arctic exploration campaign, slated to begin again later this year after a land hiatus due to Shell’s accident-plagued 2012 drilling campaign (KIRO). Shell is proposing an ambitious agenda for 2015 with two rigs working simultaneously to complete up to six wells in Chukchi Sea over the coming years (ADN). Not everyone in that environmentally conscious city is pleased with the news. Meanwhile, many are looking back at Shell’s 2012 season. A fantastic article by McKenzie Funk appeared in the New York Times Magazine that gives the most comprehensive account to date of the grounding of Shell’s drill rig Kulluk and the extraordinary efforts that went into saving it. Truly a fantastic and gripping read. Funk has also authored Of Ice and Men, a book length account of Shell’s 2012 drilling season which will be released this week. Carey Rastino provides an Alaska perspective on Funk’s account in an editorial for the Bristol Bay Times, while Joe Nocera chimed in for the New York Times. U.S. The case for sustainable hydropower in Alaska (Juneau Empire). Norway Russia Canada Canada’s upstream reel (PN). Greenland Sweden Finland  SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE Norwegian researchers drifting through the Arctic Two Norwegian scientists are currently “working their butts off” during their “FRAM-2014” expedition - a Norwegian ice drift 118 years after the FRAM. Their goal is to gather data to find out more about the “Arctic Ocean paleoenvironment of the Late Cretaceous ‘greenhouse world’ and document a possible asteroid impact” (UiB). In his interview with the New Scientist, Yngve Kristoffersen of the University of Bergen provides some insight into the daily life being frozen in an ice floe, such as losing food, fuel and equipment due to moving ice and snowstorms (New Scientist). Ashort video allows a glimpse on their hovercraft “Sabvabaa,” which is an Inuit word meaning "flows swiftly over it" (Polar Hovercraft). Similarly, the Norwegian Polar Institute sailed the research vessel “Lance” into the Arctic ice-cap north of Svalbard last Wednesday. There, she will also freeze in and drift in a southwest direction while studying the dynamics of first year ice (BO). Leave the Arctic oil in the ground A study by Christophe McGlade and Paul Elkins of the University of College London’s Institute for Sustainable Resources, which was recently published inNature, quantifies the resources that should remain in the ground. If global warming is to stay below the 2°C target agreed by policy makers, a third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80% of current coal reserves globally should be left untouched until at least 2050. Geographically, we should completely refrain from developing resources in the Arctic (AJ). How this might be achieved politically is another incredibly complex story, analyzed by Mia Bennett (Cryopolitics). Weather & climate Arctic Sea Ice Volume Holds Up In 2014 (Blue Channel 24). Our Shared Arctic - The Future (video clip) (U.S. Embassy Sweden). Warmest year in history (BO). The Arctic Streak (Discover Magazine). Arctic Absorbing more of the Sun's Energy (Accu Weather). Flora and fauna, wildlife & ecology Salmon Rivers Face Dire Times (Guardian LV). AOGA, API sue over ringed seal listing (Petroleum News). Deep-sea fish filmed in the Arctic for the first time (New Scientist). Enviros nominate Aleutian marine sanctuary (Petroleum News). Environmental management Half measures won’t help our hinterland (Yukon News). Expeditions & research blogs Science news, research, courses Joint Master Degree in Borderology - Application deadline February 15 (UiN). A Changing Arctic summer course offered by University of Oslo, June-July 2015– Application deadline February 1 (UArctic). Research - Welcome back for another season (Greenland) (AJ). Using radar to detect oil in ice and snow (Petroleum News). Miscellaneous Digital map Spitsbergen (Spitsbergen). MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE Europe New Norwegian spy ship in the Barents Sea (Spitsbergen-Svalbard.com). Russia Russia has begun sea trials on a new rescue vessel – the Igor Belousov– and is ready for transfer to the Northern Fleet (BO). Similarly, submarines from the Black Sea Fleet are undergoing training in the Arctic, with a Varshavyanka-class diesel sub en-route to the Barents Sea (BO). Canada MINING Mixed mining economic outlook for Canada in 2015 Slowing growth in Asia, particularly China, has caused prices of a number of metals to fall over the last year, a trend which economists predict will continue into 2015 and cause Canada’s mining sector to face financial challenges (PN). Furthermore, the Hays Canada Salary Guide predicts that full-time mining jobs will decline, with only one third of the mining industry planning on increasing permanent full-time staff, even as more than half intend to grow their business (CMJ). The Territories, however, are projected to see a growth spurt this year due to strong mining investments, according to the Conference Board of Canada (PN). 2014 bad year for Yukon workplace safety According to the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board, as many as 180 people may have been exposed to lead from the former Sa Dena Hes mine during remediation which began in 2013. This is the latest in a series of workplace safety issues of 2014 in Yukon, which had five workplace deaths and 1,700 reported workplace injuries (CBC). DeBeers has signed an impact benefit agreement with the Deninu Kue First Nation in Fort Resolution, N.W.T. which gives the group benefits once construction begins in 2016 on the Gahcho Kue diamond mine (CBC). Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. announced that over CAN 2 million worth of shares of the Chidliak diamond project are up for grabs, the sales from which will be used for the company’s mineral exploration projects (NN). Victoria Gold Corp., owner of the Eagle gold project, has indicated that the forecast looks bleak in 2015 in Yukon’s gold mining industry, citing lack of financing opportunities (YN). Self Government rejects hostile takeover of NunaMinerals A / S(Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). New director appointed to Store Norske (Aftenbladet, in Norwegian). FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS Border business The border crossings from Russia to Norway and Finland have dropped remarkably since December. One of the reasons is the Russian economic slump. In Norway, a counterbalance to this drop has been the local border traffic regime introduced two years ago for people living close to the border, including people from Kirkenes, Nikel and Zapolyarny (BO,EOTA). A study, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, investigated the possible effects an agreement with Russia on visa-free border crossings could have on northern Finland (BO). The master program on “Borderology” offered by Murmansk State Humanities University (MSHU) in Russia and University of Nordland (UiN) in Norway illustrates the complexity and importance of the interactions in border zones. Application deadline for the program is February 15 (UiN). Shipping down along the NSR The year 2014 has seen a drop in the ships sailing along the Northern Sea Route from more than 70 in 2013 to around 50, of which 22 used only part of the route. Malte Humpert, Executive Director of TAI, considers this as a sign the “pendulum of excitement and reality” on Arctic shipping is possibly swinging back to reality, which is also a good indicator of the general economic activity in the Arctic (Alaska Public). Low oil prices affecting Alaska How lower oil could fuel more US hiring (Petroleum News). Energy efficiency and “super-insulated” homes in the U.S. and Canadian Arctic Fisheries Deadly fish disease attacks several plants (AB, in Norwegian). Video: Fishing Legislation will be changed (Greenland) (KNR, in Danish). Shipping Arctic Promising For Bulk Shipping (Marex). #Arctic Council states have been working together on the @IMOHQ mandatory polar codes (Vincent Rigby). Aviation Voices of Alaska: General aviation helps Alaska's farms, businesses take off (Peninsula Clarion). Other business and economic news HEALTH, EDUCATION, SOCIETY AND CULTURE Two Nunavuts This editorial argues that there are “two Nunavuts,” where the first is poor majority which is excluded from the territory’s economic growth, while the other is the wealthy and comfortable minority located in large communities. He argues that, while it is easy and often pleasurable to place blame for this social inequality on party politics, in reality it is the whole system that is broken (NN). A ‘culture within a culture’ Alaska has the highest percentage of Orthodox Christians in the U.S., and this group celebrates Christmas according to the Julian calendar for a full week starting on January 7th. The Yup’ik culture and Orthodox religion have embraced one another, and the distinct cultural holiday traditions celebrated in this Western Alaska region are truly fascinating to learn about (AD). Major community stories from 2014 For a really great overview of some of the major stories and challenges that Arctic communities met this year, this Arctic Sounder piece is a good read. From politics to fish and deaths to natural events, it takes a look at some of this year’s important community developments. Alaska’s housing crisis This opinion piece makes a compelling argument for why Alaska’s housing crisis demands construction of buildings that are more tailored to the environment and specific climate demands, citing high energy costs and low efficiency housing as causes of illness that place huge economic demands on families (AD). Health The Danes have found a way to stay positive and happy despite the long, cold, dark winters, by participating in the uniquely Danish concept of “hygge,” which calls for long periods of time spent with family and friends, often eating large meals (CBC). According to Health and Human Services, over 9,000 Alaskans enrolled in federal health insurance plans for 2015, which is promising, however many will struggle to afford this year’s plan rate increases by between 22 and 40%, which are primarily due to the imbalance between healthy Alaskans and those with greater medical needs (AD). Youth Yukon College in Whitehorse has its own therapy dog to help students feel comfortable and relaxed when talking to the school’s counselor (CBC). The final meeting of the Sustainable Education Task Force, established by the Alaska House in 2013, ended with dissatisfaction and dissenting opinions over the progress made and decisions reached by the task force (AD). New Naalakkersuisoq glad debate on language teaching in schools(Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). Society Equinox Adventures has made it possible for Yukoners and visitors of all ability levels to participate in adventures and extreme activities, such as ice climbing, providing a safer and more accessible environment for outdoor adventure (YN). The percentage of females in prison in Alaska has risen from 8% to 12% in the last 10 years, placing a high demand on the capacity of women’s prison and necessitating the shift of some women to all-male jails (AD). Building a new airport in Iqaluit will be a massive undertaking and will require the construction of an asphalt plant on land which, contrary to an understood agreement, is currently being used by dog sled owners, causing tension between the owners and the government which have conflicting records of ownership (NN). Who would have thought that surfing would be a popular sport in the Lofoten Islands of Norway? The Lofoten Masters Tournament is the world’s northernmost surf event, and draws dedicated surfers from around the world (Video - AD). Now he opt out of the church via app (NRK, in Norwegian). Culture Icelandic composer, Johann Johannsson, became the first Icelander to win a Golden Globe this week, winning the “Best Original Score” award for his work on the film The Theory of Everything (Iceland Review). After a long month of winter with no sunlight, the people of Inuvik, N.W.T., are holding their annual Sunrise Festival to celebrate the return of the sun, including igloos, bonfires, music and, of course, sun selfies (CBC). Despite having received federal funding to the tune of CAN 463,000, Yellowknife aboriginal broadcaster CKLB radio station has been off the air since August 2014 and have not submitted supporting paperwork, claiming that funding was late (CBC). The proposed Winnipeg Inuit Art Centre, which may break ground within the next 2 years, will be built by and for Inuit to serve as a forum for Inuit culture in the South and will draw international acclaim as the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world (CBC). A DJ and music historian has compiled a newly released album of Native North American folk, rock and country music from the 1960s-1980s, featuring Inuit artists from Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and more (NN). VIDEO X-Factor in Nanortalik (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). Gay Greenland nominated for Cultural Award (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). Information Fair on cultural foundations (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). Niviaq Korneliussen nominated for prize (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, in Danish). The Killing’s Sofie Gråbøl: why I was tempted by Arctic thriller Fortitude (The Guardian; also Sky.com). INFRASTRUCTURE United States State drops plans for road to Umiat (Petroleum News). Canada Abbreviation Key Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Aftenbladet (AB) Alaska Business Monthly (ABM) Alaska Dispatch (AD) Alaska Journal of Commerce (AJC) Alaska Native News (ANN) Alaska Public Media (APM) Anchorage Daily News (ADN) Arctic Info (Russian) (AIR) Arctic Institute (TAI) Barents Nova (BN) Barents Observer (BO) Bristol Bay Times (BBT) BusinessWeek (BW) Canadian Mining Journal (CMJ) Christian Science Monitor (CSM) Eye on the Arctic (EOTA) Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (FNM) Financial Times (FT) Globe and Mail (G&M) Government of Canada (GOC) Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Huffington Post (HP) Indian Country Today Media Network (ICTMN) Johnson’s Russia List (JRL) Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR) Lapin Kansa (LK) Moscow Times (MT) National Geographic (NG) Natural Gas Europe (NGE) Naval Today (NT) New York Times (NYT) Northern Journal (NJ) Northern News Service Online (NNSO) Northern Public Affairs (NPA) Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) Nunatsiaq News (NN) Oil & Gas Journal (OGJ) Ottawa Citizen (OC) Petroleum News (PN) RIA Novosti (RIAN) Russia Beyond the Headlines (RBTH) Russia Today (RT) Voice of Russia (VOR) Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Washington Post (WP) Whitehorse Star (WS) Winnipeg Free Press (WFP) Yukon News (YN) |