Non-bordering and bordering Arctic nations have responded to reduced ice pack with the development of ice breaking ships to open shipping lanes and access oil and gas reservoirs in the Arctic. Currently, the United States utilizes one icebreaker, in comparison to Arctic-bordering nations, such as Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, who operate large fleets. An […]
The US & Sweden closely monitor Russia’s military buildup in the arctic. The Alaska Dispatch News examines the two nations’ responses to the changing security landscape in the Arctic. At a conference in Washington on the future of the Arctic, former U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Robert Papp told Swedish Radio’s correspondent that the United States is closely […]
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With activity in the Arctic on the rise, the US, Russia, and three other nations with Arctic coastlines formed a consensus regarding regulatory fishing activities in the Arctic, coining the term “Arctic Exceptionalism” as reported in the New York Times. I think the Arctic genuinely is shaping up to be the exception to the rule,” […]
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As other countries adjust to the increasing accessibility of the Arctic, the United States needs to take the proper measures to keep up. This from Sherri Goodman, president and CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, and David Titley, former COO of NOAA, who provide insight into why Americans should care about the Arctic and […]
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The International Maritime Organization approved additional standards for Arctic environmental and shipping safety. The new standards complete the Polar Code, a series of provisions administered in November to regulate ships operating in Arctic Waters. An article from The Alaskan Dispatch News outlines the new provisions. Starting in 2017, it will be illegal for shippers to […]
Governor Bill Walker signed into effect an Arctic Policy Bill on May 11, 2015. The bill outlines the state’s priorities for arctic policy, and how they intend to administer those policies. The bill signals the state’s initiative to establish themselves as a key player in Arctic development. A press release posted on the State of Alaska’s official […]
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A recent poll in two key primary states shows broad support for Arctic energy production. In a poll by Consumer Energy Alliance, a majority of voters in Iowa (52% support, 32% oppose) and New Hampshire (54% support, 35% oppose) favor expanding Arctic offshore energy production. “Candidates for 2016 races will have to have a strong position […]
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Russia is fast at work in its efforts to add new icebreakers to its existing fleet. A report by the Barents Observer highlights the progress being made in Russia’s quest to increase its presence in the Arctic. The higher the ambitions in the Arctic, the more icebreakers under construction. That appears to be the case, at […]
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Seventeen individuals from Arctic countries including Russia, Sweden, and the United States have been selected to serve as the initial members of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. The Arctic Journal writes that the group will spend the next 18 months conducting research on energy, water, health, and infrastructure. That description might sound like standard stuff […]
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The Nunatsiaq News has a brief rundown of the important takeaways from the most recent Arctic Council meeting in Iqaluit, Canada where the U.S. assumed its chairmanship of the Council. 1. The sealing war with the European Union? It’s over. 2. Under the U.S., climate change is back on the Arctic Council’s agenda. 3. The Arctic Council still […]
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