The Arctic region is experiencing some of the most dramatic and rapid changes in the global climate. As the Earth’s northernmost region, it is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with temperatures rising at more than twice the global average.
This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification1, has profound consequences not only for local ecosystems and Indigenous communities but also for global weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity.
Combating Arctic climate change requires urgent and comprehensive policy responses at local, national, and international levels.
This article discusses several key policies and strategies that have been implemented and improvements to help further address this pressing issue.
International policy to combat Arctic climate change
Worldwide policies and initiatives to combat Arctic climate change include:
EU Arctic Policy
The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources in the Arctic. It also supports the Arctic Council’s goal of reducing black carbon emissions by 33% by 2025.
UK Glasgow Climate Pact
The UK’s policy framework aims to reduce emissions and achieve a net zero transition. The UK also recognises the need to protect the Arctic environment from increased activity.
Arctic Council Strategic Plan
The Arctic Council’s plan promotes conservation and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment. The plan also encourages safety at sea, prevention of marine pollution, and cooperation to improve knowledge of the Arctic marine environment.
WWF Arctic
The WWF’s Arctic Plan advocates for Arctic states to establish Arctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
We need change, now
Despite these measures, there is still a long way to go in combating Arctic climate change.
What happens in the Arctic will influence the rest of our planet. Without urgent action to slash greenhouse gas emissions, the world will continue to feel the effects of a warming Arctic.
For areas around the world—even thousands of kilometres south of the Arctic—this will mean rising sea levels, changing temperature and precipitation patterns, and more severe weather events.
Let’s look at some policy improvements which could help reduce Arctic climate change.
Strengthening global climate agreements
The Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C (preferably to 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels, is one of the primary international mechanisms to combat climate change.
However, while the Agreement provides a framework for global cooperation, it needs to be more robustly enforced, particularly in the Arctic. Policies to strengthen commitments to climate mitigation, with specific attention to emissions reduction in high-impact regions like the Arctic, are essential.
Governments can push for stronger targets and timetables for carbon emissions reductions, ensuring that the Arctic’s vulnerability is fully considered in future climate talks.
In particular, the international community needs to address the need for action on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like black carbon and methane, which are disproportionately affecting the Arctic.
By prioritising reductions in these pollutants, we can significantly reduce regional warming.
Investing in renewable energy and green technologies
One of the most effective ways to reduce global warming is by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
The Arctic region, often seen as rich in oil and gas reserves, has been a focus of resource extraction. However, continued fossil fuel exploration and exploitation are accelerating climate change in the region.
A shift in policy is needed to incentivise the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Governments can introduce tax credits, subsidies, and grants to promote green energy solutions, not only in the Arctic but also in countries with Arctic territories, like Canada, the United States, Russia, and Norway.
Moreover, promoting innovation in energy storage, grid integration, and low-carbon technologies can help these regions transition to a low-carbon economy.
Protecting Arctic ecosystems through conservation policies
The Arctic is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, including ice-covered oceans, tundra, and diverse wildlife, such as polar bears, seals, and walruses.
These ecosystems are incredibly sensitive to climate change, with rising temperatures leading to melting sea ice, disrupted migration patterns, and changing food sources for local wildlife.
Governments must prioritise protecting these ecosystems through conservation efforts and creating protected areas. International agreements, such as the Arctic Council’s Arctic Conservation Action Plan2, could be strengthened to include specific protections for Arctic wildlife and habitats.
Furthermore, policies that prevent overfishing regulate shipping traffic, and limit extractive industries like oil and gas drilling are crucial to safeguarding the region’s fragile biodiversity.
Supporting Indigenous knowledge and involvement
Indigenous peoples in the Arctic, such as the Inuit, Sámi, and Yupik, have lived there for thousands of years and possess deep knowledge of the land and its changing environment.
These communities are often at the forefront of experiencing climate change impacts, from warming temperatures to melting ice and changing weather patterns.
It is critical to include Indigenous voices in climate policy discussions. Policies should respect Indigenous land rights and recognise their expertise in sustainable practices and traditional ecological knowledge.
Moreover, Indigenous-led climate adaptation initiatives should be supported through funding and international cooperation.
Mitigating black carbon and methane emissions
The Arctic is highly sensitive to emissions of black carbon (soot) and methane3. Black carbon particles settle on snow and ice, reducing their reflectivity (albedo) and accelerating melting. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released from thawing permafrost and can significantly amplify global warming.
Policies aimed at reducing these pollutants should focus on stricter regulations for industries that release black carbon, such as shipping, oil and gas extraction, and biomass burning.
In particular, the shipping industry, which uses low-quality fuel and is active in the Arctic, must be regulated more closely.
So far, measures like banning the use of heavy fuel oils in Arctic waters4 and improving waste management have contributed to lowering black carbon emissions.
Efforts should also be made to monitor and limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors and from thawing permafrost. This can include more robust monitoring systems, leak detection technologies, and incentives for companies to implement methane-reducing technologies.
Promoting climate adaptation and resilience
As climate change impacts are already being felt in the Arctic, adaptation strategies are crucial to reduce the negative effects on communities and infrastructure.
Policies should include investments in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, such as stronger buildings, roads, and energy systems. This would be particularly beneficial in remote Arctic regions where infrastructure is vulnerable to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost.
Furthermore, national and regional governments can work together to develop adaptation plans that address the needs of local communities. These plans could include strategies for disaster preparedness, resource management, and health care to cope with the emerging impacts of climate change.
Enhancing international co-operation and research
The Arctic is a global commons, and its future is interconnected with the well-being of the entire planet. Therefore, international cooperation is essential in tackling the challenges of Arctic climate change.
References
- https://climate.nasa.gov/news/927/arctic-amplification/
- https://arctic-council.org/explore/goals/#:~:text=Promote%20conservation%20and%20sustainable%20use,and%20assess%20current%20and%20future
- https://oaarchive.arctic-council.org/items/7ab09c36-c3bc-45d8-be66-17f8faf6c50d
- https://www.arcticwwf.org/newsroom/features/despite-heavy-fuel-oil-ban-arctic-marine-biodiversity-still-threatened/
