The Arctic This Week January 19 - 25, 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. THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES Executive Order to streamline U.S. Arctic policy President Barack Obama issued anexecutive order aimed at “Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic.” Significantly, the order “establishes an ‘Arctic Executive Steering Committee’ to guide federal policy and coordinate with state, local, Native governments, research and academic institutions and nonprofit organizations” (AD). Hong Kong firm takes ownership of Greenland’s largest mining project General Nice Group, a large Hong Kong-based firm, has taken over exploration of the iron ore-rich Isukasia area after the original firm, London Mining, went bankrupt last year, necessitating the sale of the license it had purchased for record amounts in Greenland. Many have condemned this project to failure after this development, however, with the purchase of the license by General Nice Group, a much larger and capital rich firm, there is renewed attention and promise for the Greenlandic mining industry (The Arctic Journal). To drill or not to drill? The dispute about whether to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska, which has been much discussed since the 1970s, has seen new developments in the past few days. Last Sunday, the Obama administration recommended designating the entire refuge as wilderness area, to which the most restrictive level of conservation management would apply (NM,Reuters). This led to outrage from several Alaskan Republican Senators and officials (NM,NM), with conservation groups and the Gwich’in Steering Committee on the opposite side welcomed the proposal (The Arctic Journal; see alsoCenter for Biological Diversity). Sarah James, the chair of Gwich’in Steering Committee, considers oil development as a threat to the caribou and, therefore, “the Gwich’in way of life” (AJ). At the same time, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason has to decide whether the U.S. Department of the Interior ought to accept an application for a limited winter exploration program (AJ). Arctic Frontiers: “Climate and Energy” From 18 to 23 January, theArctic Frontiers conference convened in Tromsø to discuss this year’s topic, “Climate and Energy”, and possibly to solve the question whether it is possible to cater to the world’s energy needs while the Arctic sounds the alarm over climate change (NRK, in Norwegian). After two days dedicated to policy issues, the science sections dealt with three main themes: 1) Arctic climate change and global implications, 2) Ecological winners and losers in the future Arctic marine ecosystems, and 3) The Arctic’s role in the global energy supply and security. Kathrin Keil of the Arctic Institute provides us with a comprehensive and detailedreport of the five conference days (TAI). Articles in theBarents Observer and theEye on the Arctic further explore the issue of oil investments in the Barents and the investment in infrastructure “White Elephants” (BO, EOTA). Meanwhile Germany’s Deutsche Welle examines whether the Arctic oil rush actually froze (DW, in German). Nunavut food crisis Food security is not a new issue in Canada’s northern territories, particularly in Nunavut, and despite government efforts to help, the problem persists. Detailing the history of food shortages and consistent increases in grocery prices, this wonderful CBC piece explains how the latest government program intended to address the issue, Nutrition North, has proven inadequate. In response to these trends and the Nutrition North program, food security social activist group, Feeding My Family, has called on supporters to boycott common food retailers across the Arctic, reflecting the frustration Nunavut residents feel (NN). The issue has not gone unnoticed by many in lower latitudes, with people organizing on Facebook to donate food and funds for groceries to northerners who need and seek help, with a particularly large presence of donors in Saskatchewan (CBC). THE POLITICAL SCENE Alaska budget scrutinized as state faces deficit As the newly-elected Alaskan legislature begins its first session, it faces the immediate and unpleasant task of scrutinizing the state’s budget in light of an estimated USD 3.5 billion shortfall due partly to low oil prices and decreasing oil production (FNM,APM,FNM). In proposing cuts, lawmakers have asserted that “everything is on the table,” and while lawmakers have admitted that “there’s no way the Legislature will be able to completely eliminate the…shortfall,…lawmakers will ‘chip away’ at it this year” (AJ,FNM). United States Safeguarding the Arctic (CAP). Europe "All" will discuss Arctic (In Norwegian, nrk.no). How should Norway, Sweden and Finland cooperate on Arctic (In Norwegian, nrk.no). Russia Canada Asia ENERGY Final report on fracking in Yukon – no consensus After several months of public consultations, the Yukon Legislature’s select committee on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), released itsfinal report last Monday, January 19 – without a consensus. Recommendations include further research and additional collection of data. It remains unclear whether fracking could be done safely and whether the support of Yukoners is needed (CBC). The fracking committee further underlines the difference between the requirement of support and of consent of First Nations (YN). While the opponents of fracking claim that the report shows Yukoners’ opposition (CBC), the industry wants to prove fracking safe (CBC). Norway moves ice edge north and expands oil drilling territory Last Tuesday, January 20, Norway’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Tord Lien, announced the country’s 23rd License Round, awarding 54 blocks in mature areas to 43 firms, including Statoil, Lundin Petroleum, and Total. The blocks lie in an area that was considered beyond the ice edge until recently, which would pose safety threats. However, it is unclear whether the Norwegian government will succeed in winning the parliamentary approval (Reuters,Reuters). The recent new definition of the ice edge by the Norwegian Polar Institute, on which the government plan is based, is criticized by several opposition parties, as well as scientists (NRK andNRK, both in Norwegian). Another issue is the blocks located in formerly disputed waters with Russia or immediately along the borderline (EOTA). National Geographic’s article focuses on the reasons for the expansion of oil drilling territory (NG). Arctic general PetroChina 'willing to cooperate' in Arctic resources extraction (Want China Times). Understanding extractives in the Arctic (Adjacent). Russia Russia’s former prime minister suggests pause in Arctic oil & gas projects (EOTA).US AIDEA begins broadening Interior gas search (AJOC) andAIDEA evaluating Interior energy options (PN). FNG defending turf in contract (Fairbanks Natural Gas) (PN). Greenland Canada $400 million Meikle wind farm in Tumbler Ridge gets green light (Alaska Highway News). Nordics SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE Seismic testing in Clyde River The “battle” between proponents and opponents of offshore seismic testing in the area gained momentum since the Canadian Energy Board approved the seismic testing plan in the waters near the community of Clyde River on Baffin Island. Climate, weather, cryology This Is What The Underside Of An Iceberg Looks Like (IFL Science!). Arctic sea ice: use of observational data and model hindcasts to refine future projections of ice extent (Polar Geography). The ice edge will disappear eventually (NRK, in Norwegian). Researcher criticism against new ice edge (NRK, in Norwegian). Flora and fauna, ecology First U.N. "World Ocean Assessment" Available For Review (World Ocean Council). United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) Review and Comment System - Deadline: 5 pm EST 6 February 2015. Polar bear gathering on Hopen (Spitsbergen). Studying the snow crab (BO). Yard MD blog: Arctic hunters (Post-Crescent). Expeditions & research blogs Environmental management Duck incident lands Progress Energy in court (Alaska Highway News). Birds of a feather feed together (conservation) (YN). Research news Minister Holder Announces Investment in University Infrastructure (Canada) (Market Watch). Call for abstracts – the Arctic Yearbook. Deadline: 1 March 2015 (AJ). Miscellaneous UAF project documents Native hunting knowledge (Juneau Empire). MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE United States AK: Rescue Training (APM). Arctic Warriors (APM). Europe Avalanche kills 1 man in remote Arctic Norway (Yahoo News). Defence Report: Unclear roles in the Kingdom (In Danish, KNR). Canada Russia Russia Is Sending Some Serious Weaponry To The Arctic (Business Insider Australia). Russia steals a March in the Arctic (Port News). MINING Estimates do not bode well for Northern mineral development According to revised estimates released Wednesday by Natural Resources Canada, the amount of money companies spent exploring and developing mineral properties in the North dropped by a combined 22 per cent in 2014 (CBC). The Northwest Territories is the only area to have seen an increase in spending in mineral exploration, however, amounts are still lower than in Yukon and Nunavut, which both saw declines, and are lower still than in the years before the financial crisis (CBC). Nunavut in particular saw a 43% decrease in exploration expenses from 2013 to 2014, with the majority of investments targeting precious metals (NN). Dominion Diamond Corporation asks for expedited review timeline Dominion Diamond is asking the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board to accelerate its timeline for assessing the planned expansion of the Ekati diamond mine, arguing that the difference in timing will allow construction to commence early enough to prevent the layoff of employees and allow the mine to continue operations seamlessly without jeopardizing the economic viability of the project (CBC). First Nation dissatisfied with level of inclusion in mining negotiations The Deninu Kue First Nation wrote a letter to Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt this week expressing their feeling of unequal treatment and inclusion in negotiating Impact Benefit agreements for two proposed projects in their traditional territory (CBC). XS Platinum, a mining company accused of polluting salmon streams in Western Alaska, failed to show up for their initial court hearing this week and have been ordered to explain their absence or be held in contempt, possibly facing fines and additional penalties (EOTA; see also Alaska Public Media). A group of Inuit employees at Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank mine near Baker Lake, Nunavut have claimed they are being discriminated against, particularly arguing that language differences and inadequate communication has, at times, placed them in unsafe situations at work (CBC). Finland’s Talvivaara mining company is seeking another state bailout to sustain operations and ensure regulatory compliance while new ownership and investment is sought out (EOTA). As part of a show of goodwill and business cooperation to the mining industry, Yukon First Nations are hosting a reception at the annual British Columbia Mineral Exploration Roundup, in light of a series of court battles between the industry and First Nations groups (CBC). Russia's Norilsk Nickel starts Arctic plant after first upgrade(The Economic Times). Northern Neighbors (PN). Walter Energy mum on its shuttered mines (Alaska Highway News). FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS Fisheries Shipping "No Rush" for Canada Ferry Project (MarEx). "Buy America" Ferry Dispute on Hold (MarEx). Aviation Air Ambulance service uses Arctic technology (Wharfedale Observer). Arctic airport master plans seeking public input (Arctic Sounder). Other business and economic news KnC Miner Heads to the Arctic, Crunching Data for the Blockchain (Arctic Startup). Canada Northern Farm Training Institute in Hay River joins int'l network (sustainable farming) (CBC). Restaurants and bars to see cheaper booze (Canada) (YN). Alaska Digication Awarded Campus-Wide ePortfolio Contract with University of Alaska Anchorage (Press Release Rocket). HEALTH, YOUTH, SOCIETY AND CULTURE Warmer weather impacting an iconic Northern tradition - the Iditarod Given the low snow levels currently in Alaska, the Iditarod Trail Committee is seriously considering moving the start of the trail north to Fairbanks if conditions do not improve (EOTA). The 1,000 mile race, traditionally beginning in Willow, AK, is slated to begin March 7th, with the ceremonial start in Anchorage (Alaska Public Media). Last year’s tricky terrain on the traditional route is also a contributing factor being weighed in the final course decision, which will be made by February 15th (Reuters). The Iditarod is not the only event potentially impacted by warmer temperatures and lack of snow, with other outdoor activities, such as the Yukon Ultra marathon, the Yukon Quest, and the Yukon Sourdough Festival, being reconsidered or adjusted for subpar conditions (AD). Trial of convicted child sex-offender concludes in Nunavut With charges against him dating back to 1995, former priest Eric Dejaeger, concluded his final day of sentencing hearings on charges of child sexual abuse this week (CBC). He stands convicted on 32 counts, primarily of sex crimes committed against Inuit children in Igloolik between 1976 and 1982 (NN). Many of his victims, now adults, were present for his trial and gave chilling and emotional testimony against him, with feelings ranging from pity to anger and stories reflecting both emotional and physical scars (NN). The Crown prosecutor called for the imposition of a 25 year jail sentence, and Justice Kilpatrick is expected to issue a written decision by mid-February (CTV News; Alaska Highway News). Les débats sur l'éducation en français au Canada continuent Northern Canada’s French-language schools have drawn a variety of criticism as of late. Nunavut’s only French-language school has come under fire from parents who are concerned over the lack of communication and constant changes in staffing and curriculum, resulting in francophone students leaving the school (NN). A case was brought before the Supreme Court of Canada this week by members of francophone communities across Canada, who argue that the Yukon government should take a more lenient interpretation of the law giving minority language speakers the right to an education in their native language, thereby allowing more French-speaking children access to French education and admission to be determined by the French school board (CBC). The Yukon government has interpreted the law more narrowly, and the case has become a really fascinating debate within Canada over minority rights and division of power between the federal and territorial governments (CBC). Similarly, a trial in Northwest Territories asking for expanded French-language schools and admissions, has added to the discussion, and the Yukon case is likely to pave the way should the francophones succeed (CBC). Health Proposed legislation in Northwest Territories intended to regulate and properly investigate health professionals has drawn criticism for its potential to violate people’s privacy, as the law would mandate access to confidential health records in investigations (CBC). A new research study, slated for publication in a prestigious journal in February, found that high marijuana use is linked to low body weight in Nunavik. Researchers claim this may lead to insights into the relationship between weight and diabetes as well as the impact of cannabis on people (NN). Barrow celebrates wellness with week of healthy living (Arctic Sounder). Healthcare.gov Navigators See Steady Enrollment As Deadline Approaches (Alaska Public Media). Study: Environment trumps genetics in shaping immune system (Alaska Journal of Commerce). Youth Community Bridge set up new resource for children of divorce (Alaska Highway News). Society Holly Jarrett, the cousin of Loretta Saunders, an Aboriginal woman who was murdered last February in New Brunswick, continues to fight for social justice and raise awareness of the marginalization, abuse and bias Aboriginal women in the North face regularly. Her story is worth reading (NN). A Juneau ski program teaches people with disabilities to ski and snowboard, helping them learn new skills, become more independent, and socialize regularly (Alaska Public Media). Bethel’s Pete Kaiser Wins Kuskokwim 300 (Alaska Public Media). Buddy Streeper: A big dog on the sled circuit (Alaska Highway News). BLM Alaska Hosts “Women of the Iditarod” Tweet Chat (Delta News Web). A safe place for pets (YN). Study to examine sexual assault in villages (Bristol Bay Times). Former Fort St. John resident faces child porn charge (Alaska Highway News). City of Dawson Creek plans huge new subdivision (Alaska Highway News). Culture SOL, a documentary film investigating the death of Solomon Uyarasuk, who was found in a jail cell in Nunavut, deals with the far too common issue of suicide in the Arctic, and will be screened for the first time in Nunavut on January 28th (The Arctic Journal; see also NN& CBC). As Canada prepares to hand over the Arctic Council chairmanship to the U.S. this spring, Lenore Grenoble, a linguistics professor at the University of Chicago, plans on attending an Arctic language symposium this spring in Ottawa to develop realistic goals and a roadmap for continued AC focus on northern language development (NN). “Fortitude,” a thriller television series based in the Arctic set to air on January 29th on British television channel, Sky, promises to not just use the Arctic as a backdrop, but to feature it and make it an integral part of the story (The Arctic Journal). For details on the storyline, dynamo cast and inspiration behind the series’ creation, take a look at this article and accompanying trailers, and check out the season premier (Examiner). New Play Explores Homelessness In Juneau (Alaska Public Media). Sume: The sound of a success (The Arctic Journal). INFRASTRUCTURE Canada United States Official dangerous goods route debated in Dawson Creek (Alaska Highway News). Abbreviation Key Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Aftenbladet (AB) Alaska Business Monthly (ABM) Alaska Dispatch (AD) Alaska Journal of Commerce (AJOC) 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) Maritime Executive (MarEx) 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) |