The Arctic region, as reported by the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Arctic Programme, has been warming up twice as fast as the global average. This polar region has experienced rapid shrinking of the ice cap since 1980, and the volume of Arctic sea ice has declined by a staggering 75%. WWF’s Arctic Programme has been working rigorously since 1992, in collaboration with its partners, to counteract the threats to the Arctic and preserve its rich biodiversity.
About the Arctic
Situated at the northernmost part of Earth is the Arctic, a polar region comprising of the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of multiple countries including the United States (Alaska), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. This region is characterized by its seasonally varying snow and ice cover.
Ecological Impact of Warming on Arctic
The warming Arctic waters and disappearing ice are impacting various ecological aspects such as sea levels, salinity levels, current patterns, and precipitation. With permafrost thawing and the Tundra giving way to swamp, sudden storms are causing havoc along coastlines while wildfires are causing devastation inland, particularly in Canada and Russia.
Arctic’s phenomenally rich biodiversity is under immense threat due to this warming trend. Notably, the survival of Arctic marine life, plants, and birds has become much more challenging due to the absence of year-long ice and higher temperatures. These changes are also inviting species from lower latitudes to move northward, upsetting the fragile balance of this ecosystem.
The Arctic is home to approximately 40 different indigenous groups whose rich culture, economy, and lifestyle are at risk due to these climatic changes. Furthermore, increased human intrusion is likely to exacerbate the situation.
The Arctic’s Commercial Importance
Commercially, the shifting climate presents substantial economic and commercial opportunities, especially in shipping, energy, fisheries, and mineral resources. The Northern Sea Route (NSR), connecting the North Atlantic to the North Pacific through a short polar arc, holds significant commercial potential.
The Arctic Ocean, which is estimated to house 22% of the world’s unexplored oil and natural gas reserves, along with Greenland, the source of 25% of global reserves of rare earths, are opening up for access. However, these opportunities come with their own set of challenges, including harsh navigation conditions, lack of deep-water ports, shortage of polar-trained workers, high insurance costs, as well as significant costs and environmental risks associated with mining and deep-sea drilling.
Conflicts Over the Arctic
Competing interests over Arctic resources have led to overlapping claims by countries including Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark. Among these nations, Russia has emerged as the dominant power due to its longest Arctic coastline, half the Arctic population, and a comprehensive strategic policy.
Russia anticipates considerable profits from commercial traffic, particularly through the use of its ports, pilots, and ice-breakers. Demonstrating their growing military strength in the region, Russia and China performed a combined exercise in the eastern Arctic.
China, looking for an economic advantage, has introduced the Polar Silk Road, as an extension of the Belt and Road Initiatives. They have also invested heavily in ports, energy, undersea infrastructure, and mining projects.
India’s Stake in the Arctic
India has shown distinct interests in the Arctic, focusing on environmental, scientific, and strategic aspects. Given India’s extensive coastline, changes in the Arctic, such as ocean currents and weather patterns, could significantly impact its fisheries and even the monsoon cycles.
Scientifically, India has a good record in Arctic research, contributing to a better understanding of climatic changes. Strategically, the implications of China’s increasing presence in the Arctic warrants close monitoring.
India received observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013, an inter-governmental forum that focuses on environmental and developmental aspects of the Arctic. To safeguard its interests, India needs a comprehensive strategic policy that covers economic, environmental, scientific and political aspects.
