The Arctic This Week April 21 - May 3, 2015  courtesy: Deutsch Roemer 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. TAI’s RECENT ACTIVITIES This article by Andreas Østhagen, Norway director at The Arctic Institute, on Arctic defense collaboration was recently published in the journal Defence Studies. Arctic coastal states are facing heightened risks, and their various coast guard structures have to provide extended capacities for a number of tasks. Simultaneously, most Arctic coast guards are experiencing a stretch in capabilities, as demand grows. The article asks whether it is purposeful – or even possible – to conduct defense collaboration on coast guard tasks in the Arctic (Defence Studies). In addition, you can read Andreas Østhagen’s report from the seminar on the same topic, “Coast Guard Co-operation in a Changing Arctic”, held in Toronto (October 2014) (Gordon Foundation). Eilís Quinn of Eye on the Arctic interviewed Kathrin Keil, Europe director at The Arctic Institute, on Canada’s term as chair of the Arctic Council, as well as on U.S. priorities over the next two years. You can listen to the interviewhere (EOTA). THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES Shell prepares for Arctic drilling despite earnings decline Shell is reportedly preparing to send an “armada” of 25 vessels to begin exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea. Although Shell is still waiting on final regulatory approval before proceeding, the U.S. government is not expected to derail the company’s plans (Reuters). Shell has also sought a judge’s approval to enact safety zones around its Arctic vessels to prevent disruption from Greenpeace protesters. Attorneys for Greenpeace argued that Shell’s safety zone request exceeds the level that can be issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (AD). Environmental groups have also petitioned the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Shell properly disclosed the risks of Arctic drilling to investors (Reuters). The recent attention on the Arctic project comes despite the fact that Shell saw its earnings drop 56% in 1Q 2015 compared to 1Q 2014 (OGJ). Alaskan North Slope confirmed as homeland of Inuit populations A study analyzing genetic data of modern Iñupiat, an Alaskan indigenous group, confirms genetic ties between the Iñupiat and Inuit populations in Canada and Greenland. This seems to confirm long-held theories that the Alaskan North Slope was the first site to be settled and served as a starting point for migrations to the east (AJ). Decline in Iceland’s press freedom rating noted Iceland tied for seventh place in Freedom House’s 2015 Freedom of the Press report with a score of 16 (Freedom House). The report ranks 199 countries on a scale of 0 (best) to 100 (worst) and in 2014 Iceland earned a score of 12. The four point decrease in Iceland’s press freedom rating between 2014 and 2015 was one of the largest decreases recorded by Freedom House this year. Fellow Arctic nations Norway and Sweden tied for first place in the 2015 report, with each earning a score of 10 (mbl). Putin speaks in favour of an open Russian economy Speaking at the Russian Popular Front’s press conference last week, President Putin argued for the establishment of an open economy as one of the main pillars for Russian economic development. According to Putin, private investment, both domestic and foreign, should be secured, even for companies in the defense industry (JRL). THE POLITICAL SCENE Canada Future Arctic Leaders Meet in Ottawa (Arctic Council). Russia Indigenous leaders warn international community, continued tensions with Russia will harm Arctic (BO). Europe Whistleblower introduced in the PA (KNR, in Danish). United States Lessons from Iqaluit: American leadership in the Arctic (Seacoast Online). ENERGY Rosneft to continue mapping activities but faces foreign partner loss Rosneft has said that it will go ahead with plans to map a portion of the Kara Sea despite previously announcing that it does not plan to engage in Arctic well drilling in 2015 (BO). The company has also announced that it is calling off plans to develop a joint trading company with Italian refiner Saras due to ongoing sanctions against Russia. This deal may have otherwise resulted in a strategic gain for Rosneft, who would have gained a larger presence in the Mediterranean (MT). Canada Norway Statoil reported a $4.67 billion loss in 1Q 2015, citing a drop in global energy prices, increased operating costs, and infrastructure depreciation (OGJ). Russia protests against oil drilling near Svalbard (NRK, in Norwegian). Wintershall discovers oil near Kristin (AB, in Norwegian). Saipem Norway facing investigation over February incident (AB, in Norwegian). Russia Rosatom has signed a deal for a new icebreaker to be used in concert with the Yamal LNG project (BO). United States Alaska state legislators may have secured a victory in the battle with Gov. Bill Walker over the Alaska LNG pipeline as they diverted money away from a second project that Walker was attempting to back with state funds (AJ). SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE New report on climate change effects in Alaskan communities The Alaska Tribal Health Consortium last month released a report of the impact on climate change on seven communities in the Bering Strait Region. The report shows commonalities among the communities, such as erosion, melting permafrost, and new species, and identifies priorities in the region. The information for the report was gathered through talks with locals and advisors from different agencies and communities, site visits, and public meetings (AS). Arctic cod – a key species in the Arctic, but highly vulnerable to temperature changes Researchers with NOAA succeeded in breeding Arctic cod, a species very vulnerable to temperature changes, but key in the Arctic food chain. The fish have the highest fat content of any cod species and are an important food source for ringed seals, seabirds, narwhals, and beluga whales. As the Arctic ocean gets warmer, scientists are concerned about the implications for the ecosystem if the Arctic cod disappears (NM). Climate & weather, earth sciences How a part of Greenland came to lie under Iceland (Standard, in German). Frontier Mentality Has No Place in the Arctic (Harvard International Review). UH-led team successfully observes the solar eclipse over the Arctic ((e) Science News). Barents Sea could be nine degrees warmer (NRK, in Norwegian). Wildlife and ecology The Swedish coast in the Baltic Sea welcomes rare dolphin guests (LK, in Finnish). Magpie on a sensational way past Svalbard (KNR, in Danish). Hundreds of ringed seals packaged into the very beach in Simo – video (LK, in Finnish). Climate change could force this species northward (NRK, in Norwegian). Environmental management & pollution WWF wants to reduce conflicts between bears and people (KNR, in Danish). Reindeer herding promises fight against new power line (NRK, in Norwegian). Research and university news The Russian Indigenous Training Centre summarizes the outputs of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples (2005-2014) in a report titled"In the world of Indigenous Peoples"(in Russian) (UArctic). A Framework for Prioritization, Design and Coordination of Arctic Long-term Observing Networks: A Perspective from the U.S. SEARCH Program (Arctic Institute of North America). Other science and environment news MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE Europe Experts: How should defense be strengthened in Finnmark (NRK, in Norwegian). Canada Russia Deputy Defense Minister: Russian presence in Arctic aimed at protecting national interests (Arctic-Info). Russian Su-33 fighter jets hold drills over Barents sea (Arctic-Info). MINING Yukon stakeholders ask for more information on Casino mine proposal Government and First Nations representatives in Yukon are asking that the Casino Mining Corp. refine its proposal for the Casino mine project, specifically its environmental impact assessment (CBC). If approved, the proposed gold and copper project would be the largest mine in Yukon. One of the major hurdles the project must clear is a proposal to construct a massive tailings dam adjacent to the site (YN). If built, the dam would be the third tallest in the world, and locals are concerned that the dam could create an environmental catastrophe if it were to fail. Two recently proposed bills - one in the US House and one in the Senate - are aimed at streamlining the permitting process and reducing US dependence on foreign ‘critical’ minerals (PN). Yukon College in Whitehorse has launched a pilot program that teaches entry-level mining skills to undergraduate students (CBC). FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS Share a goat, drink some milk A goat-sharing program in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula enables people to buy half of a goat and in return receive an equivalent portion of the milk that the animal produces for personal use. The program’s goal is to make the purchase of local dairy products easier and potentially more cost-effective. According to the owners of one farm offering goat-sharing, the program has proved to be very popular (NM). More business-friendly legislation in Canada’s Yukon? Canadian Yukon targets foreign businesses by making legislation more business-friendly. Due to Yukon’s competition with British Columbia, which is in the same time zone, more than 500 businesses have left Yukon during the last decade, estimates Paul Lackowicz, partner at a Whitehorse law firm. That might not seem much, but it could be an important development for the remote territory of a population of only 36,500 (CBC). Fisheries Shipping Maritime cloud increases safety at sea (KNR, in Danish). Ice melting in the Arctic increases the opportunities for shipping (NRK, in Norwegian). Aviation Bureaucracy keeps Greenland Express on earth (KNR, in Danish). Air Iceland is experiencing improved cooperation with Mittarfeqarfiit (Greenland Airports) (KNR, in Danish). Tourism Visit Greenland lures Americans here (KNR, in Danish). Greenland strengthens Icelandic tourism (KNR, in Danish). Greenland Centre in Reykjavík (NORA). Other business and economic news Canada Union and hospital corporation reach tentative deal (Yukon) (YN). Russia Nordics ISK 329,000 minimum wage? (mbl). Director of Human Resources calls on firms: Employ young people for a summer job, almost all expenses will be covered (LK, in Finnish). Finns have confidence in the tax cut engine of growth (LK, in Finnish). HEALTH, YOUTH, SOCIETY AND CULTURE Visit by WWII-era plane commemorates Whitehorse’s WWII history A 70-year-old DC-3 airplane embarked on an ambitious journey from Florida to Siberia made a historic stop in Whitehorse, Yukon last week (CBC). The WWII-era aircraft’s visit to Whitehorse was intended to highlight the key role that the Yukon city played in the Alaska-Siberian air road (ALSIB), a route which hundreds of DC-3s and other transports flew during the war (YN). In turn, the supply route fueled much of Whitehorse’s growth after the gold rush boom died down, leading to the construction of new airfields and the Alaska Highway. Iceland’s ‘Geysergate’ scandal simmers The scandal over an artist artificially coloring Iceland’s Strokkur geyser continued this week. Chilean artist Marco Evaristti used dye to turn the water at Strokkur geyser pink as part of an art display, and has since sparked an ongoing scandal dubbed “Geysergate”. Icelandic authorities fined Evaristti approximately $760 for vandalism and violating the Nature Protection Act, though the artist (or vandal) fled the country without paying it. Now, Evaristti, who has reportedly received death threats over the incident, is accusing Icelanders of being hypocrites and has vowed to return to Iceland to fight the fine (mbl). Health Authorities in Nunavut are promoting community involvement and connectedness as keys to maintaining good mental health as part of Canada’s national mental health week (NN). Alaska caregivers face hurdles meeting needs of loved ones (Arctic Sounder). New telemedicine walk-in clinic opening in Fort St. John (Alaska Highway News). Northern Health not just short on doctors; nurse practitioners also in demand (Alaska Highway News). Greenland is a "health dump" (KNR, in Danish). Youth Norway’s Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion is moving to cut benefits for Norwegian children being educated abroad (The Nordic Page). Canada’s Aboriginal Affairs minister announced millions of dollars worth of funding to build and renovate 11 First Nation schools nationwide (APTN). TheEALLIN Final Report on reindeer herding youth in times of Arctic change was delivered at the Arctic Council meeting in Iqaluit, Canada, last week (Reindeer Herding). Tribal council member aims to inspire youth (Arctic Sounder). Society App to learn "the world's hardest languages" (NRK, in Danish). Culture A musical debuting in Fairbanks called “Chasing the Aurora: The Samurai Musher” celebrates the life of Jujiro Wada, a Japanese adventurer who achieved fame and notoriety in Alaska and Yukon in the early 1900s (NM). From humble start, self-taught artist thrives (Arctic Sounder). Swedish support to Sami filmmaker (NRK, in Danish). INFRASTRUCTURE Sweden Last week, construction workers started to tear the buildings of the Swedish town Kiruna down. The town sits on an iron mine and will therefore be moved to a new location (ABN, in Danish). 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) |
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Arctic News May 6 2015
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