The Arctic This Week January 12 - 18, 2015  photo: Ville Miettinen |
Welcome and thanks for joining us this week! 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 Arctic Institute is seeking a Research Associate to join the team of our weekly news brief The Arctic This Week (TATW). To find out more about the position or to apply please consult the call for applications. TAI’s RECENT ACTIVITIES TAI’s Executive Director, Malte Humpert, was quoted in this Politiken article (in Danish), commenting on the departure of oil companies from Greenland. Additionally, he was interviewed for an article by Alaska Public Media concerning the impact of falling oil prices on Arctic oil exploration. UPCOMING CONFERENCE The annual High North Dialogue Conference will take March 17-19, 2015 in Bodø Norway. In connection with the conference the University of Nordland is organizing its annual Master Course. The course focuses on developing knowledge about opportunities for value creation in the High North, as well as on an international dialogue between important stakeholders in the Arctic region. Application deadline is February 1, 2015. To find out more click here.  THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES Arctic oil only for the brave these days The dual challenges of plummeting oil prices and international sanctions have led many international companies to suspend planned oil and gas projects in Russia’s Arctic. The steep drop in oil prices is not only leading to shelved exploration projects, but is causing some to question the ambitious plans Moscow had for developing its Arctic regions, a development that was to be propelled by oil and gas (MT). Some are suggesting that Russia focus on conventional fields in less extreme locations that will be much less expensive to develop and more feasible given current prices (BO). Indeed we hear a lot about conventional fields in Russia of late, probably because they can also be developed under the current sanctions regime that limit importation of oil and gas technologies that will be necessary to develop tight oil and gas fields (Sputnik News). Despite the gloomy forecasts, Gazprom Neft is plowing ahead with plans to develop new Arctic fields west of Novaya Zemlya (BO, WorldOil). One wonders if politics is driving this decision more than economics. Price jitters aren’t restricted to Russia’s Arctic. Oil prices and environmental concerns have caused many to delay investment decisions in oil and gas development across the Arctic (Bloomberg, Sputnik News). Three oil companies decided this week to hand back exploration licenses in western Greenland despite hefty government incentives (AJ). Russian troops begin moving to new Arctic bases Russian troops have begun to arrive at the country’s latest Arctic base at Alakurtti, some 60 kilometers from the Finnish border on the Kola Peninsula. The first to arrive are elements of a motorized infantry brigade, which will likely consist of some 7000 soldiers eventually, with a number of signals intelligence units likewise expected to join them (Businessinsider.uk,Itar-Tass,BO,EOTA). Russia has announced plans to “strengthen its military capabilities this year” in the Arctic, along with Kaliningrad and Crimea (Reuters). Uproar over the Peel Watershed appeal Several news articles last week discussed the Yukon government’s appeal of the December court decision on the Peel watershed, which found that the Yukon government’s modifications to the plan did not respect the land use planning process set out in the agreement with First Nations. As reason for the appeal by his government, Yukon Premier Pasloski states that the court’s ruling undermines the authority of the territorial government and that First Nations do not have the authority to make decisions on Crown land (CBC). On the other hand, Yukon's opposition politicians want the government to abandon the appeal, which they say goes against the spirit of the final agreement (CBC). Likewise, Na-Cho Nyak Dun Chief Ed Champion told supporters of the Peel coalition that he will carry on the fight for the Peel plan recommended by the Commission (CBC). Alaska universities prepare for tight budget The University of Alaska system prepares for a reduced budget due to the falling oil prices. While the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) announced that it might have to cut 200 to 250 jobs (AD), the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) already closed its unprofitable bookstore in Juneau at the end of last year (Alaska Public). In the meantime, the Alaska Pacific University (APU) will lease 65 acres of land on its Midtown Anchorage campus in order to keep tuition costs down (AD). THE POLITICAL SCENE United States U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. will travel to Russia this month to “meet with government officials, indigenous communities, representatives of non-governmental organizations along with scientific, academic, and business leaders” (Sputnik News). Alaska Department of Fish and Game Appoints Deputy Commissioner (Alaska Native News). Russia Europe ICC is planning two major summits next year (In Danish, KNR). Karl-Kristian Kruse on tour in North Greenland (In Danish, KNR). Police Kutter missing crew (In Danish, KNR). Canada Makivik Corp. president Jobie Tukkiapik was re-elected in 15 January elections with 51% of the vote, some 20% ahead of his closest challenger (NN). Major cabinet shuffle announced (YN);Brad Cathers demoted, Scott Kent boosted in Yukon cabinet shuffle (CBC). Elections in Nunavik (In Danish, KNR). ENERGY Shells use of Seattle’s port doesn’t sit well with some residents, as challenges still lie ahead for Shell A decision by the Seattle Port Commission to allow Shell’s fleet to use West Seattle as its home port led to objections from some of the city’s residents who asked the commission to block the proposal (KUOW). Despite Shell’s preparations for the 2015 drilling season, obstacles still stand between the company and Arctic black gold. Several legal challenges are still working their way through the courts and depressed oil prices may yet change Shell’s calculus on Arctic exploration (ADN). In a related development, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management quadrupled its estimates for crude oil in 2008 licenses in the Chukchi Sea in response to a court ruling that found that the bureau significantly underestimated the amount of oil, thus downplaying spill risks (FuelFix). The BOEM also released a draft environmental study based on the higher estimated reserves (ADN). Shell, Statoil and ConocoPhillips are all asking Washington for extensions on their Arctic leases, set to expire in 2017, as all have faced greater challenges than anticipated with advancing their Arctic exploration plans (ADN). Greenland Oil companies drop Greenland (KNR, in Danish). Nukissiorfiit expected to lose 37 million kroner in grants (KNR, in Danish). Canada Nunavut will focus on oil and gas production (KNR, in Danish). What can Canada do to mute US opposition to Keystone? Nothing, opponents say (Alaskahighwaynews.ca). Russia US State Dept. gives other agencies 2 weeks to comment on Keystone XL pipeline (Alaskahighwaynews.ca). Exxon rolls out LNG plan (PN). Nordics SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE Research during the Arctic winter? Accompany Irene Quaile on her trip to Svalbard. On her Ice-Blog, she gives insights into the research carried out on the Polar Marine Night expedition, the fascinating marine life in the Arctic winter, and the perks of working and living with an international team aboard the RV Helmer Hanssen (EOTA): Hot, shaky Alaska Alaska set new records last year. The 40,686 earthquakes detected by the Alaska Earthquake Information Center in the state and bordering parts of Canada dwarf the previous high of 28,000 quakes detected in 2013 (AD). In addition to that, 2014 was also Alaska’s hottest year on record (AD). This, apparently, made for some greatpictures (AD). Climate Arctic continues to warm at twice global rate (Earth Sky). Wildlife & ecology Two tales of dynamic Alaska tundra (Alaska Native News). Polar bears looking towards north-west Canada (KNR, in Danish). A Year in the Life of the Bowhead Whale (Alaska Public). Expeditions & research blogs Environmental management Council stands with Clyde River for a moratorium on seismic testing in the Arctic Ocean (Council of Canadians). NOAA holding ringed seal public hearings (Petroleum News). Forest Service Proposes Mendenhall Glacier Fee Increase (Alaska Public). Landbank Lawsuit Aimed at USACE Regs (Susitna wetlands mitigation bank) (Alaska Public). Miscellaneous NASA is About To Blast Some Rockets Through Alaska’s Northern Lights (Popular Science). Study of Greenland's genetic history published (KNR, in Danish). MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE United States Zukunft: Ships needed for Arctic, drug interdiction (Navy Times). Coast Guard Medevacs Ailing Fisherman near Kodiak (Alaska Native News). Russia US Commander Unsurprised by Russia’s Revised Military Doctrine (Sputnik News). Canada Arctic spies and sabotage worry DND (The Record). Europe MINING AGMC set to move in April The Alaska Geologic Materials Center (GMC) is moving to its new, larger headquarters in Anchorage in April this year. The center is the repository of all geologic materials collected across the state, allowing them to be displayed, stored properly, and studied, and the new facilities will provide more space, climate-control, and display options to best present the state’s resources (PN). Cooperation between First Nations and government The author of this opinion piece in The Northern Miner makes a compelling and impassioned argument encouraging territory governments to develop on-the-land stewardship programs with First Nations when it comes to land development, drawing from recent experiences in the Northwest Territories. The Yukon is seemingly heeding this advice, with the Yukon Chamber of Mines aiming to improve relations between the territory’s First Nations, government and industry, hoping to work with these group to develop guidance for how to create successful partnerships and work respectfully with each other (YN). If you have been following the progress (or lack thereof) of the Pebble Mine project in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, you may find this opinion piece, which argues the EPA was certainly acting beyond its authority, an interesting read this week (PN). Placer Mining Big Business in Alaska, Report Finds (Alaska Public Media). Northern Dynasty raises funds for Pebble Mine operations, legal fight (AD; see also Alaska Public Media). New Naalakkersuisoq will not relate to Nunaminerals crisis(In Danish, KNR). Newspaper: Chinese mining company will open Arctic Ocean (In Danish, KNR). Mæland will take time to help (In Norwegian, Svalbard Posten). FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS Oil price decline affects Alaska’s revenue Alaska’s oil revenue inversion: A look back at SB 21 debate shows both sides were wrong, so far (NM). Viewpoints: Blaming oil tax reform for Alaska's current budget deficit is just plain wrong (SitNews). Alaska's fiscal perfect storm (AD).Fisheries Adak Fish Plant Seeks Additional Operators (Alaska Public). Restructuring of fishing and hunting controls on the way (KNR, in Danish). Royal Greenland delivers unprecedented profits (KNR, in Danish). KNAPK hopes for new distribution after the (shrimp) quota shock (KNR, in Danish). Shipping Mapping the Polar Code (MarEx). Feds, Irving agree on Arctic ship deal (Canada) (National Newswatch). Aviation Vagar Airport sets new passenger record (Faroe Islands) (AJ). Air Greenland gets a new Greenlandic competitor (KNR, in Danish). Travel from Greenland to Copenhagen will cost less than 4,000 kroner (KNR, in Danish). Other business and economic news Alaska Greenland Hermann: Kangerlussuaq not closing (KNR, in Danish). The Government: The US has not fully complied with the agreement about Thule Airbase (KNR, in Danish). Unemployment is falling slowly (KNR, in Danish). Yukon Record year for Yukon Wildlife Preserve (visitors) (CBC). HEALTH, YOUTH, SOCIETY AND CULTURE Russian Leviathan film proving contentious After winning a Golden Globe and being nominated for an Academy Award this week, the Russian film Leviathan, set by the Barents Sea, has started a debate in Russia over its perceived anti-Russian perspective (TASS Russian News Agency). Filmed on the Kola peninsula, the film tells the story of a man facing a corrupt mayor to prevent his house from being destroyed, and it has been acclaimed as a “new Russian masterpiece” (BO). The regional government of Murmansk is among the critics of the film, with many local theaters claiming to have received a recommendation from the governor of Murmansk to not show the film due to its poor portrayal of northerners (BO). “Why isn’t he in jail?” An ongoing investigation into the allegations against a Montana man accused of sexual abuse of nine of his elementary school students in Tuluksak, Alaska, has resulted in a settlement and a controversy, with many wondering why the man is not in jail. Many are commenting that the lack of state action on the case reflects the underlying racial tensions in rural Alaska. This Alaska Dispatch article does a really nice job of giving the background of the case, the varying evidence, and also placing the story in a broader societal context. Alaskans register for Affordable Care Act health insurance By mid-January 2015, over 15,000 Alaskans have registered for federal health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (AD). This is a 3,000 person increase in the number of registrants during the initial open enrollment period, and over 90% of Alaskans who signed up are eligible for a subsidy (Alaska Public). Barents Russia sees huge surge in HIV cases In the Barents region, both Norway and Sweden have reported the lowest HIV rates in ten years, while Barents Russia reported the highest rate ever in 2014, and this article presents fascinating data and charts in its discussion of this troubling trend (BO). Kusko 300 began this weekend The annual Kuskokwim 300 dogsled race began this weekend in Southwest Alaska, drawing participants and viewers from around the region, despite this year’s shortened course due to low snow (AD). The event started off with a lighthearted quick 65 mile race, known as the Akiak Dash, which provides entertainment and allows locals and amateur mushers to join in on the competitive spirit (AD). Health Youth Yukon College will now include First Nations traditions in the curriculum and take other measures, including an increase in indigenous staff, to better serve indigenous students (CBC). A renovated Nunavik building will reopen later this month as a community-run family support center for families in crisis, with the goal of keeping adults out of jail and children healthy (NN). Society Alaska has the highest rate of people walk to work each day, however, it is also ranked third in the country for pedestrian deaths, prompting the development of innovative designs to improve traffic flow, visibility and pedestrian awareness (Alaska Public Media). The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, a Washington, DC-based human rights group that focuses on the Americas, released a report this week assessing the high number of cases of murdered and missing indigenous women in British Columbia, concluding that this problem can only be helped by addressing the underlying factors, including poverty, inadequate housing, and discrimination (NN). Mushers are making a last minute push for securing sponsors for the upcoming 32nd annual Yukon Quest sled dog race in Whitehorse, hoping to raise enough to fund the race and its 26 mushers that are currently signed up to compete (CBC). Initiative to Sermiligaaq (In Danish, KNR) Elim Celebrates Elder’s 100th Birthday (Alaska Public Media). The Prodigal Sun (The Arctic Journal). Culture Musician Christine Fellows, whose visit to Yukon inspired her album, will be performing in Dawson City and Whitehorse this week, hoping to share her story and return to the roots of her inspiration (YN). Verbatim theater, a novel style of performance art based on transcripts of interviews, is coming to a theater in Yukon, where interviews with First Nations elders, immigrants, and children will be performed at the Open Pit Theatre (YN). Winter in Arkhangelsk (BO). Focus on Inuit art in Canada (In Danish, KNR). INFRASTRUCTURE Canada United States Russia Europe 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) |