Navigating From Rio+20 to Polar Sustainability - Students on Ice Alumni Delegation

STUDENTS ON ICE ALUMNI DELEGATION Navigating from Rio+20 to Polar Sustainability

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Navigating from Rio+20 to Polar Sustainability Solutions for Sustainable Development in the Arctic and Antarctic May 2012 © 2012 Students on Ice Alumni Delegation This document was written in its entirety by the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation, with the support of Students on Ice staff and the advice of academic experts in polar issues. Photos credited to Andrew Wong, Cassandra Elphinstone, Donovan Taplin, Jenna Gall, Leah Pengelly, and Vincent Carrier. Cover Photos Top: Bergy Bits off the coast of Greenland. The image symbolizes the need to navigate through challenges to reach sustainability. (Cassandra Elphinstone) Bottom: Sunset over Kapp Linne at the Russian coal mining settlement of Barentsburg, Svalbard, Norway. (Vincent Carrier) Centre L-R:

Inuit child: Traditionally clothed in sealskin, this Inuit child’s subsistence lifestyle is under threat (Cassandra Elphinstone). Coal Harbour, Russian mining settlement of Barentsburg, Svalbard, Norway. Russia maintains coal mines on the Island (Vincent Carrier). Adélie Penguins in Antarctica. Penguin populations are declining due to decreasing krill populations (Donovan Taplin). Transport Vessel docked at Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Marine traffic is expected to increase in the Arctic due to the melting of multi-year sea ice (Andrew Wong).

For questions, comments, or to arrange a meeting, please contact: [email protected]

The Students on Ice Alumni Delegation is an international youth delegation speaking up to ensure the future sustainability of the Polar Regions. Members of the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation are united by the rare privilege of having visited the Arctic and/or the Antarctic. Several members of the delegation live in the Arctic. Composed entirely of youth under the age of 24 from around the world, the delegation has a unique perspective which will be communicated to decision-makers in their respective countries and at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012.

Students on Ice is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Our mandate is to provide students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the Earth and, in doing so, help them foster a new understanding and respect for the planet.

mailto:[email protected]


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The preparation of this recommendation paper has been made possible through the dedication and collaborative effort of members of the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation, all of whom are youth. In particular, special thanks go to the following individuals who authored, reviewed, and edited this recommendation paper: Section Authors

Audrey Yank, Québec, Canada

Beatrice Yeung, Hong Kong, China

Carolyn Gibson, Ontario, Canada

Cassandra Elphinstone, British Columbia, Canada

Gabi Mayers, Washington D.C., USA

Ingrid Skjoldvaer, Nordland, Norway

Jesse Lever, Québec, Canada

Katie Baba, New Brunswick, Canada

Laurissa Christie, Ontario, Canada

Nicole Labine, Northwest Territories, Canada Research Reviewers

Cassandra Elphinstone, British Columbia, Canada

Fatin Chowdhury (Polar Research Director), Ontario, Canada

Ingrid Skjoldvaer, Nordland, Norway

Jenna Gall (Polar Research Director), Saskatchewan, Canada

Minnie Molly Snowball, Québec, Canada Lead Editors

Andrew Wong (Executive Director), Ontario, Canada

Jessica Magonet (Policy Director), Québec, Canada We are also very grateful to the academic experts in polar issues who devoted their time and energy to peer review our document. Last but not least, we would like to thank the staff at Students on Ice for their continued support throughout the entire process of developing this recommendation paper and for their support in making the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation a success.


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Hugo Ahlenius,

UNEP/GRID-Arendal


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………………………….2 Arctic and Antarctic Maps…………………………………………………………………………..3 Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 I. Key Messages and Recommendations for Decision-makers Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………….6 Four Main Recommendations…………………………………………………………..6 Why the poles? Why now?.............................................................................7 Importance of the Polar Regions………………………………………………………7 Threats to the Polar Regions…………………………………………………………….8 The Polar Regions at Rio+20……………………………………………………………10 Promise for the Polar Regions……………………………………………….10 Gaps in the Zero Draft…………………………………………………………..10 Four Main Recommendations for Decision-makers at Rio+20…………………..12 II. Sustainable Development Challenges and Solutions Arctic Development………………………………………………………………………………….16 Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems…………………………………………………16 Wildlife and Biodiversity…………………………………………………………………17 Mining Development………………………………………………………………………19 Petroleum Development…………………………………………………………………20 Marine Traffic and Trade………………………………………………………………..21 Renewable Energy………………………………………………………………………….23 Arctic Indigenous Issues……………………………………………………………………………25 Socio-cultural-economic Issues……………………………………………………….26 Antarctica as a Model of Sustainable Development………………………………….28 Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems………………………………………………..28 Antarctic Carbon Neutrality…………………………………………………………….30 Join us in taking Action……………………………………………………………………………..32


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PREFACE

The Polar Regions are crucially important to global sustainable development. The well-being of the Polar Regions matters to every nation and every person on Earth. With the multitude of challenges facing the Polar Regions, action must be taken by all of us now, not later, to ensure its future sustainability. Action must be taken by all of us, from civil society, to decision-makers and elected officials. Youth are doing their part to take pro-active action for more sustainable Polar Regions. One example is this recommendation paper which has been authored by us, the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation (www.soidelegation.com), an international youth-led initiative inspired by Students on Ice (www.studentsonice.com). Students on Ice is an organization committed to providing students, educators, and scientists from around the world with the opportunity to experience the Polar Regions first-hand. Members of the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation are united by the rare privilege of having visited the Arctic and/or the Antarctic. Several members of the delegation live in the Arctic. Composed entirely of youth under the age of 24 from around the world, our delegation has a unique perspective which will be communicated to decision-makers in our respective countries and at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012. Our delegation strives to exemplify Principle 21 of the Rio Declaration, which states: “The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for all.” In creating this recommendation paper, our delegation strives to achieve our mission:

To address the current and emerging environmental, economic and social challenges facing the Polar Regions

To promote the long-term sustainability of the Polar Regions through education and collaboration with the Major Group for Children and Youth, civil society, the Arctic Council, the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty, and UN member states

To provide a unique perspective to decision-makers at Rio+20 as youth having visited and studied the Polar Regions through the Students on Ice polar education program

To encourage decision-makers at Rio+20 to be accountable to future generations

Our message to decision-makers is simple. We sincerely urge you to take the time to read our document and consider acting upon the recommendations proposed in this document. By doing so, you create a more sustainable future for the Polar Regions, and subsequently for this planet.

Andrew Wong Executive Director, Students on Ice Alumni Delegation


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Polar Regions are of critical importance to global sustainable development. These regions are among the first to experience climate change. The melting of ice caps and retreating of sea ice is opening the Arctic to economic opportunities (trade, transport, mineral exploration, oil and gas development), which present a host of challenges to sustainable development. The economic and ecological changes in the Polar Regions have global implications. Climate change and the possibility of massive Arctic development represent enormous challenges for the Polar Regions. Yet these challenges also offer a unique opportunity. The global community has the opportunity to commit now to sustainable development in the poles to promote sustainable development for the entire planet. Sustainable development, as defined by the Brundtland Commission, is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development highlighted the importance of the three pillars of sustainable development: economic development, social development and environmental protection. Developing the Polar Regions in a sustainable manner means assessing polar development projects based on their ability to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of both present and future generations. Special attention must be paid to the impacts of these projects on those who make their home in the Polar Regions. The Polar Regions symbolize a final frontier of development and an opportunity to develop intelligently and sustainably. As youth having witnessed first-hand both the beauty of the Polar Regions and the threats they face, we urge you as decision-makers to seize the opportunity at Rio+20 to address the issues facing the Polar Regions. In support of the Rio+20 objectives of addressing emerging challenges and securing political commitment to sustainable development, we propose that all nations:

1. RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLAR REGIONS AS AN EMERGING CHALLENGE IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2. STRIVE FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY IN ANTARCTICA

3. RECOGNIZE THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE ARCTIC RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

4. COMMIT TO PROTECTING POLAR OCEANS TO PROTECT GLOBAL OCEANS

These four key recommendations are the most important first steps towards sustainability in the Polar Regions. They address major gaps in the Rio+20 Zero Draft which are outlined in page 10. The four key recommendations are each explained in pages 12-15. The second part of the paper, from pages 16-31, discusses the Polar Regions’ sustainable development challenges on a topic-by-topic basis accompanied by specific solutions that directly address each challenge. Put together, these solutions serve as a comprehensive step forward for the sustainability of the Polar Regions. The paper concludes by inviting readers to take action at Rio+20 and beyond.


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WHY THE POLES? WHY NOW?

AT RIO+20, THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY WILL CONVENE TO REFLECT UPON PAST

EFFORTS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND TO DEVELOP NEW

STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE. THIS DISCUSSION MUST INCLUDE THE

EMERGING CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE POLAR

REGIONS.

Importance of the Polar Regions

The Polar Regions are of critical importance to the world because:

A. The most significant threats facing the Polar Regions have ecological and economic consequences for the whole planet. Increasing temperatures and weather pattern changes are causing Arctic and Antarctic ice to melt at an alarming rate. The melting in the Polar Regions exacerbates climate change by:

Reducing global albedo and increasing terrestrial and oceanic absorption of solar radiation.

o Albedo is the reflectivity of the earth’s surface. As albedo decreases, climate change will accelerate because more solar radiation will be absorbed by the Earth.

Potentially releasing huge amounts of methane (a greenhouse gas) due to the melting of frozen permafrost.1

Causing a rise in global sea levels. o Melting ice caps in the Polar Regions is one of the main causes of

sea level rise.2

Decreasing ocean productivity, affecting marine food supply and fisheries.

Destroying the polar carbon sink, thereby decreasing the ability of polar ecosystems to store CO2, further exacerbating climate change.3

Increasing ocean acidification via the loss of the polar carbon sink, threatening marine and terrestrial life.

B. The creation of policies to ensure the sustainable development of the Polar Regions could contribute to a global transition to a green economy.

As the Arctic melts, more of its natural resources are becoming available for exploitation (see pages 16-24 for additional information). If decision-makers ensure that resource development is both sustainable (for example, by supporting renewable energy projects) and mindful of ecosystems, communities and the importance of the polar environments,

1 Schuur, E. A. G & Abbot, B. (2011). Climate change: High risk of permafrost thaw. Nature, 480, 32-33.

2 Jacob, T., Wahr, J., Pfeffer, T., & Swenson, S. (2012). Recent contributions of glaciers and ice caps to sea level rise.

Nature, 482, 514–518. 3 Schlesinger, W. H. (1997). Biogeochemistry; an analysis of global change (2nd Edition ed.). Toronto, ON: Academic

Press.


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the Arctic could become a sustainable development model for the rest of the world.

The Antarctic, which has been set aside for scientific research, already serves as a model for global cooperation. Striving for a carbon neutral Antarctic continent is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate environmental cooperation is possible on a continental scale.

Threats to the Polar Regions The two major threats to the sustainability of the Polar Regions are (A) climate change and (B) the possibility of unsustainable Arctic development.

A. Climate Change

With air temperatures in the Arctic rising at a rate nearly twice the global average, the region is undergoing some of the most rapid changes on the planet.4 The Antarctic ice cap, which contains 90 percent of all ice on the planet and 70 percent of the world’s fresh water, is melting more rapidly than predicted.5 Model projections reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007 underestimated the rates of change now observed in sea ice. The largest and most permanent bodies of ice in the Arctic – multi-year sea ice, mountain glaciers, ice caps, and the Greenland Ice Sheet – have all been declining more rapidly since the year 2000 than in the previous decade. An assessment released by Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA) in May 2011 noted: “The observed changes in sea ice on the Arctic Ocean and in the mass of the Greenland Ice Sheet and Arctic ice caps and glaciers over the last 10 years are dramatic and represent an obvious departure from the long-term patterns.”6

Arctic glaciers, ice caps, and the Greenland Ice Sheet contributed over 40 percent of the global seal level rise of around 3 millimetres per year between 2003 and 2008. Melting ice sheets in both Polar Regions are estimated to result in total sea level rise of 0.9 – 1.6 metres by 2100.7

Arctic communities are learning they must adapt to the rapidly changing climate and prepare for the future impacts of development in the region.8 Marine and terrestrial ecosystems in both Polar Regions are being impacted by climate change (see pages 16, 28). Biodiversity in the Polar Regions is gravely threatened by climate change. Animals

4Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2007). Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of

Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, Pachauri, R.K and Reisinger, A. (eds.)]. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC. 5Laybourn-Parry, J. (2009). No place too cold. Science, 324(5934), 1521-1522.

6 IPY 2012. (2012, April). SWIPA – Selected SWIPA Findings. IPY 2012. Retrieved from

http://www.ipy2012montreal.ca/news/articles/news_article_swipa.php 7 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). Snow, Water, Ice, Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA). Oslo,

NO: AMAP. 8Ford, J., Pearce, T., Smit, B., Wandel, J., Allurot, M., Shappa, K., & Qrunnut, K. (2007). Reducing vulnerability to

climate change in the arctic: The case of Nunavut, Canada. Arctic, 60(2), 150-166.

http://www.ipy2012montreal.ca/news/articles/news_article_swipa.php


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dependent on sea ice and the tundra habitat, for example, are threatened (see page 17).9

B. Possibility of Unsustainable Arctic Development

As the Arctic ice sheets and sea ice continue to melt, vast natural resources such as petroleum will become increasingly accessible. While development brings new economic opportunities for the North, if it is not conducted sustainably, it will expose the fragile ecosystems of the North to the impacts of increased marine traffic, hydrocarbon development and mining. Unsustainable Arctic development may arise from: increased marine traffic, petroleum development, and mining.

Increased Marine Traffic (see pages 21-23) o A 2007 Arctic Communications Infrastructure Assessment / IPCC model

predicted that, by mid-century, the entire Arctic Ocean could be ice-free for a short period in the summer. Navigable waterways will facilitate an explosion in commercial, military, and pleasure trips, exponentially increasing marine traffic in the area. Already, oil tanker traffic is rising and fishing boats are going farther north.10 Increased marine traffic creates emerging safety, security and environmental challenges.

Petroleum Development (see pages 20-21) o The Arctic contains 22 percent of globally undiscovered petroleum

resources.11 Oil exploration and development poses a threat to Arctic wildlife, vegetation, ecosystems and communities. Offshore drilling in Arctic waters is a massive threat to the fragile marine ecosystems and to traditional and already developed industries such as fisheries and tourism. Arctic ecosystems are less likely to recover from spills than those in more temperate climates.12 Oil spills in the Arctic also threaten Indigenous communities, as “fears about the safety of subsistence foods may erode hunting skills causing the younger generation to question the knowledge and wisdom of its elders.” Following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Alutiiq people stopped hunting for years.13

Mining Development (see page 19) o Mining can cause local, regional and global pollution. The extraction of

minerals often involves the use of chemicals and releases emissions to the water and air in the area surrounding the mine, causing damage to ecosystems and leading to health issues among local populations.14 Mine

9 UNEP/GRID-Arendal. (2010, October 27). Protecting Arctic Biodiversity: strengths and limitations of environmental

agreements. UNEP/GRID-Arendal Retrieved from http://www.grida.no/news/press/4402.aspx. 10

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (2007). Canadian Sovereignty in the Arctic: Challenges for the RCMP. Ottawa, ON: RCMP. 11

Kullerund, L. (2011). Sustainability: A Green Arctic. Nature, 478, 179–180. 12

Emmerson, C. (2012). Arctic Opening: Opportunity and Risk in the High North. London, UK: Chatham House. 13

Short, J., & Murray, S. (2011). A frozen hell. Nature, 472, 162-163. 14

Bronder, L., Nikitin, A., Jorgensen, K. V., Nikiforov, V., Kudrik, I. (2010). Norilsk Nickel: The Soviet Legacy of Industrial Pollution. Oslo, NO: Bellona Foundation.

http://www.grida.no/news/press/4402.aspx


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waste disposal is also a major issue, especially the use of submarine deposition.15

The Polar Regions at Rio +20

Promise for the Polar Regions

As youth who live in the Arctic and have visited both Polar Regions, we are optimistic that Rio+20 will provide insight and concrete action to promote the sustainable development of the Polar Regions. Some proposals outlined in “The Future We Want: Zero Draft of the Outcome Document” are relevant and important to the poles. These include commitments to:

Designate climate change, food security, energy, oceans and seas, and biodiversity as priority areas

Phase out fossil fuel subsidies (art 126)

Promote access to Sustainable Energy for All (art 70)

Create a new agreement to protect oceans beyond national jurisdiction (art 80)

Recognize the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the global, regional and national implementation of sustainable development strategies (art 21)

Gaps identified in the Zero Draft

The Rio+20 Zero Draft fails to adequately address several sustainable development challenges facing the Polar Regions. Gaps are outlined below:

The importance of the Polar Regions in the context of sustainable development is never mentioned.

Although the management of Antarctica was identified in the Brundtland Report as a key issue to be addressed in the context of managing the global commons, the zero-draft makes no mention of the region nor commitment to furthering its sustainable development

While Article 21 of the Zero Draft recognizes the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in the implementation of sustainable development strategies, Arctic-specific declarations, such as the Inuit Circumpolar Declaration on Resource Development (2011), are not recognized. These communities face unique and pressing challenges given the unprecedented rate of environmental change in the Arctic and the increasing interest in northern resources. The aforementioned declaration, and other declarations need to be recognized (see pages 26-27).

Although oceans are identified as a priority area for Rio+20, strategies designed to protect the fragile polar marine environment are not included in the zero-draft. While a new treaty may be negotiated to protect oceans outside national jurisdiction, most regions of the Arctic Ocean fall within national jurisdiction but

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Skei, J., Asmund, G., Johansen, P., Søndergaard, J. ”Marine and lake disposal of mine tailings and waste rock.” International Conference. Egersund, NO. 2 Nov. 2009.


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still need additional protection. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) currently provides equal protection for different oceans in different parts of the world. Given the unique threats currently facing the Arctic Ocean, regulations specific to this region are needed.16

In light of these gaps and of Rio+20’s commitment to addressing emerging challenges and securing political commitment for sustainable development, we have made the following four key recommendations detailed on the next page (page 12).

L-R: Rio+20 Executive Coordinator Ms. Elizabeth Thompson, Students on Ice Alumni Delegation Leader

Andrew Wong, and Faculty of Environment Dean André Roy, at the University of Waterloo, Nov. 3, 2011.

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Koivurova, T., Molenaar, E. J. (2009). International Governance and Regulation of the Marine Arctic. Oslo, NO: WWF International Arctic Programme.


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FOUR MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

DECISION-MAKERS AT RIO+20

We call on decision-makers at Rio+20 to:

1. RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLAR REGIONS AS AN EMERGING CHALLENGE

IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Polar Regions were not identified as a fragile ecosystem in Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development17. The Arctic was mentioned for the first time in UNCSD documents at the Johannesburg World Summit in 2002, but only at side events.18 Research and emerging trends have stressed the need for the Polar Regions to be prioritized on global platforms such as the United Nations. The sustainable development of the Arctic and Antarctic must be emphasized to support the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which include the “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”. It must also be emphasized to support the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which include “the conservation of biological diversity”. We call on world leaders to include the Polar Regions in Section V, A of the Zero Draft as a priority/key/thematic/cross-sectoral area.

2. STRIVE FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY IN ANTARCTICA

The Antarctic Treaty, which set aside the continent as a reserve for peace and science, is a model of global cooperation that has furthered approaches to sustainable development. The Brundtland Report identified the challenge of ensuring “that Antarctica is managed in the interests of all humankind, in a manner that conserves its unique environment, preserves it value for scientific research, and retains its character as a demilitarized, non-nuclear zone of peace” as key to sustainable development. At Rio+20, we can build on this success. We can secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development by striving for carbon neutrality across the continent and in its surrounding waters (see pages 30-31 for more information). This would be in keeping with the concept of a green economy that requires the world to move toward low-carbon development, as illustrated in Article 21 of the Zero Draft. This goal might be well integrated as a sustainable development goal (SDG). Carbon neutrality can be achieved by:

17

Watt-Clouthier, S. (2003). ”The Needs of Indigenous People: Aid or Partnership?.” Wilton Park, Arctic Co-operation 12 Years On: How Successful? (Conference). Inuit Circumpolar Council. 21 Mar. 2003. 18

Pokka, H. ”The Arctic In Green Growth and the Arctic: Linking the Arctic towards the mainstream political process at Rio+20.” Rovaniemi, University of the Arctic 10 years: Seminar on Green Growth and the Arctic (Conference). 8 Jun. 2011.


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Adopting recommendations presented at the 2008 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.19 These include:

o Establish a mandatory obligation to record the greenhouse gas emissions from stations, field camps, aircraft and vessels of all types- including tourism, fishing, whaling, scientific research, logistical supply, and fuel delivery vessels and aircrafts.

o Recognize the need for climate change adaptation strategies, including the value that a network of Marine Protected Areas can bring to climate change adaptation.

o Establish a formal program to off-set greenhouse gas emissions from all stations, vessels, and aircrafts, given that those are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol.

3. RECOGNIZE THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF ARCTIC

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Arctic Indigenous communities feel the immediate impact of Arctic resource development. As key stakeholders, they must have a role in determining whether and what type of development will take place (see pages 25-27 for more information). In keeping with Principle 22 of the Rio Declaration, we call on world leaders to:

Acknowledge the Anchorage Declaration (2009)20 and the Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development (2011)21 as frameworks for sustainable development in the Arctic.

Arctic states should ratify the International Labour Organization Convention 169.22

4. PROTECT POLAR OCEANS TO PROTECT GLOBAL OCEANS

As the global community recognizes the grave oceanic crisis, we urge it to consider and prevent the unique threats facing polar oceans by:

Ensuring proper and adequate environmental governance in the Arctic: o UNCLOS23 must be properly implemented in the Arctic and that potential

gaps specific to the Arctic are addressed.24

19

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC). (2008). Impacts of Climate Change on Antarctic Ecosystems. ATCM XXXI. Kiev: ASOC. 20

See “Anchorage Declaration”, which was adopted at the conclusion of the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit on Climate Change, held in Anchorage, Alaska, from 20 to 24 April 2009: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/E_C_19_2009_CRP9_en.doc 21

See “Inuit Circumpolar Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat” (2011): http://www.itk.ca/sites/default/files/Declaration%20on%20Resource%20Development%20A3%20FINAL[1].pdf 22

See International Labour Organization Convention 169: http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/cgi-lex/convde.pl?C169 23

See United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htm 24

Stokke, O. S. (2007). A legal regime for the Arctic? Interplay with the law of the Sea Convention. Marine Policy, 31(4), 402-408.

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/E_C_19_2009_CRP9_en.doc

http://www.itk.ca/sites/default/files/Declaration%20on%20Resource%20Development%20A3%20FINAL%5b1%5d.pdf

http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/cgi-lex/convde.pl?C169

http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htm


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o Supporting the development of a mandatory International Marine Organization (IMO) Polar Code with stringent environmental and safety regulations.

o Promote legally binding agreements in the Arctic Council and facilitate in the instances where such an agreement is not in place, that Arctic states implement recommendations and guidelines from key Arctic Council reports.

Recognizing, supporting and strengthening the progress being made by the Arctic Council to promote sustainable development in the Arctic, to ensure:

o Protection and preservation of the ecological processes in the Arctic marine and terrestrial environments. The Arctic Council is applauded for reaching the first binding agreement in the Arctic region in 2011 focused on search and rescue. The second binding agreement for oil spill response is currently being negotiated, and must be completed quickly. We call on this second binding agreement to be inclusive of oil spill prevention, not just response.

o Long-term conservation and sustainable & equitable use of marine and terrestrial resources.

o Socio-economic benefits for present and future generations, in particular for Indigenous peoples of the Arctic region.

o Action to address the unprecedented natural changes the Arctic is facing.

Implementing recommendations from Arctic Council’s 2005-2009 Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA).25 Arctic states are responsible for the implementation of these recommendations.

o Develop the uniformity of Arctic shipping governance in coastal seas and the central Arctic Ocean.26

o Create effective monitoring and tracking systems for Arctic marine traffic to reduce the risks of incidents, facilitate response, and provide awareness of potential conflicts among multiple marine users.

o Utilize the data from an Arctic observing system to enhance marine safety.

o Confront the serious Arctic marine infrastructure deficit

Institutionalizing IMO Polar Code for all ships operating in polar waters once it is developed.

o The Polar Code – a code relating to ship’s construction standards, polar safety equipment, and ice navigator qualifications – is currently being developed by the International Maritime Organization.27

o The Polar Code should be mandatory for all ships operating in polar waters.

o There should be stronger emphasis in the Polar Code on qualifications of ice navigators for operating Arctic ships to prevent human safety issues

25

See Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report: http://www.pame.is/index.php/amsa-2009-report/59-amsa-2009-report 26

Brigham, L. W. "Marine Safety, Environmental Protection and Governance Implications of Future Arctic Marine Transport.” Oslo Science Conference. Oslo, NO. 9 Jun. 2010. 27

Brigham, L. W. (2011, October 27). [The Polar Code: What does it mean for Arctic shipping?]. Det Norske Veritas.

http://www.pame.is/index.php/amsa-2009-report/59-amsa-2009-report

http://www.pame.is/index.php/amsa-2009-report/59-amsa-2009-report


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and adverse environmental outcomes.

Creating Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) to protect vulnerable areas in the Arctic Ocean from the impacts of increased shipping.

o This recommendation is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).28

Developing an international accord that prevents the start of commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean caused by the melting of 40 percent of permanent sea ice in the region. Arctic states must:

o “Take the lead in developing a precautionary international fisheries management agreement.

o Start with a catch level of zero until sufficient scientific research can assess the impacts of fisheries on the central Arctic ecosystem.

o Set up a robust management, monitoring and enforcement system before fishing begins.“29

An iceberg in the Arctic Ocean (2008).

28

WWF. (n.d.). Oceans and coasts of the Arctic. Retrieved from http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/what_we_do/marine/ 29

Oceans North International. (2012, April 22). Support an International Arctic Fisheries Agreement. Retrieved from: http://www.oceansnorth.org/arctic-fisheries-letter

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/what_we_do/marine/

http://www.oceansnorth.org/arctic-fisheries-letter


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II. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

In the following section, additional background information on polar sustainable development issues is provided to enable the reader to gain a better understanding of the issues presented in the first section. A host of possible policy solutions to address these issues are proposed for the reader’s consideration. Many would be most appropriately implemented by national governments, by the Arctic Council, or by the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty. It is crucial that the international community at Rio+20 understand the importance of domestic solutions in establishing sustainability for the Polar Regions.

ARCTIC DEVELOPMENT

Arctic industrial development will accelerate as the region experiences sea ice melting and the loss of the Greenland ice sheet, thus making both non-renewable and renewable resources more accessible. The region will be impacted by petroleum and land-based mineral mining development, as well as an increase in marine traffic. Intelligent industrial development will prioritize conservation of land and marine ecosystem, wildlife and biodiversity. As more eyes turn to the Arctic, opportunities for developing a sustainable renewable energy sector should be seized.

MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Challenges

Northern biodiversity is expected to be severely effected as climate warming causes shifts in vegetation regions and as the extent of sea ice lessens.30 Lack of funding for efforts to meet the immense threats to wildlife and ecosystems is the single greatest obstacle for natural resource management agencies.31 Further research is needed to create smaller scale climate change scenarios for local management units.32

Recommended Solutions

Acknowledge the negative impacts climate change presents to biodiversity

Fund ongoing monitoring of vulnerable populations in accordance with Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) strategies.

30

Post, E., Forchhammer, M. C., Bret-Harte, M. S., Callaghan, T. V., Christensen, T. R., Elberling, B. (2009). Ecological Dynamics Across the Arctic Associated with Recent Climate Change. Science, 325(5946), 1355-1358. 31

Peters, R. (2008). Beyond cutting emissions: protecting wildlife and ecosystems in a warming world. Washington, DC: Defenders of Wildlife. 32

Nowlan, L. (2001). Arctic Legal Regime for Environmental Protection. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Cambridge, UK: ICUN. Bonn, Germany: ICEL.


17

Create a more rigorous environmental impact assessment protocol that would be mandatory for all new developments and a sub-section for an environmental review of current developments.

o This protocol could be based on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Strategic Environmental Assessment Protocol.33

Provide economic incentives to conserve Arctic ecosystems.

Create a fund that would provide fiscal resources for a full-scale ecosystem recovery project in the event of an oil spill. Resource extraction companies would have to make yearly contributions to this fund to use the sea-way.

WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY

Challenges

Large terrestrial mammals such as polar bears and caribou are increasingly stressed due to the many changes that are occurring in the Arctic. The conditions that stress caribou vary widely depending on geographic location34, thus regional solutions to sustaining herds must be taken into account. Grazing territory for caribou is affected by both climate change and industrial development. UNEP has predicted 50 percent to 80 percent of caribou grazing regions may be destroyed by 2050. Polar bears are being stressed by climate change, industrial and tourism development, and pollution.35 Regarding polar bears, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) has found that breeding sites are protected but very little of their range and off-shore feeding sites are protected. Therefore, transitions should be made from the current soft law agreements to rigorous binding region-wide agreements to preserve wildlife and biodiversity.

Arctic fish populations are now in danger as the loss of permanent sea ice in the Central Arctic Ocean has opened up nearly 40 percent of the pristine region during recent summers. The substantial loss of permanent sea ice is making commercial fishing in the Arctic viable for the first time in human history.36


Formalize a Strategic Plan for the Conservation of Arctic Biological Diversity (CABD) produced by CAFF or an equivalent agreement.

o The data provided by monitoring projects by CAFF and AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program) would allow for informed decision and policy making.

33

See United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Strategic Environmental Assessment: http://www.unece.org/env/eia/sea_protocol.html 34

Jernsletten, J., Klokov, K. (2002). Sustainable Reindeer Husbandry. Tromsø, NO: Centre for Saami Studies, University of Tromsø. 35

Nowlan, L. (2001). Arctic Legal Regime for Environmental Protection. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Cambridge, UK: ICUN. Bonn, Germany: ICEL. 36

Oceans North International. (2012, April 22). Support an International Arctic Fisheries Agreement. Retrieved from: http://www.oceansnorth.org/arctic-fisheries-letter

http://www.unece.org/env/eia/sea_protocol.html



18

o The new act should include further protection of the northern boreal forest.37

o An agreement could be modeled after Articles and Annexes of the Madrid Protocol that deal with the protection of Antarctic ‘associated ecosystems’ and ‘native mammals’.38

o An agreement must integrate levels of sustainable use of Arctic wildlife for traditional food gathering purposes.

o Region-wide regulations concerning biodiversity and the protection of terrestrial mammal habitat should be considered.

To protect Arctic fish populations and habitats from the impacts of unregulated fishing in the Central, the Students on Ice Alumni Delegation joins more than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries in supporting the recommendations of Oceans North. Arctic states must:

o “Take the lead in developing a precautionary international fisheries management agreement.

o Start with a catch level of zero until sufficient scientific research can assess the impacts of fisheries on the central Arctic ecosystem.

o Set up a robust management, monitoring and enforcement system before fishing begins. 39 “

Polar bear at Monumental Island, Nunavut (2010).

37

Ibid. 38

Nowlan, L. (2001). Arctic Legal Regime for Environmental Protection. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Cambridge, UK: ICUN. Bonn, Germany: ICEL. 39

Oceans North International. (2012, April 22). Support an International Arctic Fisheries Agreement. Retrieved from:




19

MINING DEVELOPMENT

Challenges

Mineral mining is predicted to become one of the major industries in the Arctic over the next few years. Minerals found in the Arctic, such as zinc, are used in many types of technology, notably in new renewable energy technologies.40

Mining causes both local and global pollution. The extraction of minerals such as uranium, iron ore, lead, zinc and coal often involves the use of chemicals and releases emissions to the water and air in the area surrounding the mine, causing damage to ecosystems and can lead to health issues among local populations. Disposing of mine waste is also a major issue, especially with the use of submarine deposition, which is the disposal of mine tailings and waste rock in lakes and in the sea. Arctic states have varying approaches to the mine waste management. Several states, such as Norway and Greenland, allow for the disposal of waste in the ocean. Submarine deposition must be carefully managed to avoid negative ecological changes such as the loss of biodiversity.41

Coal mining also exists in the Arctic. Coal mining in the Arctic perpetuates global climate change as it leads to enormous CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions when the coal is burned. The burning of coal in the Arctic also presents local impacts as it results in locally emitted soot, which increases the capacity of snow and ice to absorb radiation making them melt faster.42


Create an inter-governmental council for the Arctic countries to examine a common legally-binding framework for sustainable mining in the Arctic.43

Reward mining companies that manage their mines with exemplary sustainable practices and that work towards zero-emission and waste minimization in mines.

Promote recycling of already derived minerals.

Ban new coal power plants and mines in the Arctic and phase out the existing in favour of renewable alternatives.

Implement Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology in existing coal fired power plants.44

40

Renewable Energy Focus. (2010, November 1). Mining essential for renewable energy future. Renewable Energy Focus. Retrieved from http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/13610/mining-essential-for-renewable-energy-future 41

Skei, J., Asmund, G., Johansen, P., Søndergaard, J. ”Marine and lake disposal of mine tailings and waste rock.” International Conference. Egersund, NO. 2 Nov. 2009. 42

Rypdal, Kristian (2006, October 27). [Emissions from Coal]. CICERO. 43

See "OSPAR Commission", an example of Arctic countries collaborating to form a binding agreement: http://www.ospar.org 44

Deutch, J., Moniz, E. J., et al. (2007). The Future of Coal. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/13610/mining-essential-for-renewable-energy-future

http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/13610/mining-essential-for-renewable-energy-future

http://www.ospar.org/


20

PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT

Challenges

Oil exploration and development poses a threat to Arctic wildlife, vegetation, ecosystems and communities. This threat could severely exacerbate existing habitat stresses on Arctic animals caused by climate change.45 Winter onshore exploration would likely impact Arctic-adapted species including musk oxen, polar bears, wolverine, arctic fox, and arctic grayling, and it could also impact sensitive Arctic tundra vegetation as the shallow snow cover provides little protection against the impact of vehicles driving across the tundra required for seismic exploration. Full-scale construction and development of oil fields would further impact musk oxen, polar bears and other Arctic-adapted resident species, as well as caribou and birds that migrate North in the summer. As such, oil field development could entail large-scale habitat loss for Arctic species.46

Offshore drilling in Arctic waters is a massive threat to the marine ecosystems and to traditional and well-developed industries such as fisheries and tourism. The direct impacts on fisheries arise from seismic surveys. Tourism can be negatively impacted in the event of an oil spill.47

Oil spills also pose a significant threat to fragile Arctic ecosystems especially in coastal areas and near ice. Today, there is no comprehensive method for clean-up of spilled oil in sea ice.48 Spilled oil tends to collect between and under breaks in the sea ice called polynyas. If an oil spill occurred in the fall season, the oil could be trapped with newly forming sea ice and would not be accessible to clean up for months. Furthermore, a spill near land is nearly impossible to address before it reaches the coastline. This poses a threat to Arctic animals and the complex food web whose range comprises the shore near polynyas. Animals at risk are wide-ranging and include: seals, polar bears, walruses, whales, birds and fish.49

Extreme Arctic weather makes it challenging and nearly impossible for rescue and response workers to physically reach the site of an emergency. Arctic ecosystems are not as likely to recover from oil spills as is possible in more temperate climates. Oil breaks down slower in cold weather, resulting in prolonged negative impacts to the Arctic ecosystems, slower population recovery, and other long-term ecological

45

Walker, D. A., Lederer, N., Walker, M. D., Binnian, E., Everett, K. R., Nordstrand, E., Webber, P. J. (1989). Response: impacts of petroleum development in the arctic. Science, 245(4919), 765-766. 46

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Potential impacts of proposed oil and gas development on the Arctic Refuge’s coastal plain: Historical overview and issues of concern. Web page of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Fairbanks, Alaska. 17 January 2001. http://arctic.fws.gov/issues1.htm 47

von Quillfeldt, C. H. (Ed.). (2010). Integrated Management Plan for the Norwegian Part of the Barents Sea and the Areas outside Lofoten. Bergen, NO: Institute of Marine Research. 48

Holland-Bartels, L., Pierce, B. (eds). (2011). An evaluation of the science needs to inform decisions on Outer Continental Shelf energy development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey. 49

De Cola, E., Robertson, T., Pearson, L. (2010). Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean: Unexamined risks, Unacceptable Consequences. Philadelphia, PA: The Pew Environment Group.

http://arctic.fws.gov/issues1.htm


21

impacts.50

At the global scale, it is important to be aware that that fossil fuel combustion continues to be responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Existing oil and gas developments in the Arctic already contribute and will continue to contribute to the growing global emissions that are resulting in climate change. The result: further warming to the Arctic and to the planet.51


Creation of a mandatory, more rigorous environmental impact assessment protocol for new petroleum developments.

As supported by Nature and Youth in their guidelines for Norwegian Arctic oil development, “Petroleum management must be open and democratic, so that all affected public interests are real opportunities for influence. Environmental considerations must be addressed at all levels of management, and environmental professional recommendations must be respected”.52

New oil developments in the Arctic should be accompanied by increased monitoring of vulnerable animals and ecosystems to mitigate adverse impacts.

Utilization of advanced technology (such as seismic technology, improved ice-based transpiration, and advanced forms of drilling which use extended reach, horizontal and designer wells) for less intrusive oil developments.53

Strengthen and enforce existing regulation by increasing oversight and ensuring long term liability and monitoring for companies

Apply a moratorium on the granting of new licenses for oil and gas exploitation in the Arctic as recommended by Nature and Youth.54

MARINE TRAFFIC AND TRADE

Challenges

Due to climate change, there is now an unprecedented increase in navigability of Arctic waters, creating significant emerging challenges for Arctic marine traffic and trade. Such implications include marine safety and security challenges and emerging environmental protection challenges for Arctic States and the global maritime industry.55To carry out sustainable polar development in a global green economy, the aforementioned implications must be addressed. 50

De Cola, E., Robertson, T., Pearson, L. (2010). Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean: Unexamined risks, Unacceptable Consequences. Philadelphia, PA: The Pew Environment Group. 51

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Polar Regions. Climate Change – Health and Environmental Effects. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/polarregions.html 52

Nature and Youth. (n.d.). Environmental Political Platform. Platform and constitution. Retrieved from http://nu.no/plattform-og-vedtekter/category151.html 53

Almanac of Policy Issues. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Policy Archive. Retrieved from http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/crs_anwr.shtml 54

Nature and Youth. Environmental Political Platform. Platform and constitution. Retrieved from http://nu.no/plattform-og-vedtekter/category151.html 55

Brigham, L. W. "Marine Safety, Environmental Protection and Governance Implications of Future Arctic Marine Transport.” Oslo Science Conference. Oslo, NO. 9 Jun. 2010.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/polarregions.html

http://nu.no/plattform-og-vedtekter/category151.html

http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/crs_anwr.shtml

http://nu.no/plattform-og-vedtekter/category151.html


22

Retreating Arctic sea ice is providing opportunities for improved marine access and potentially longer seasons of navigation.56 Canada has lost approximately 90 percent of its ice shelves in the past century due to rising Arctic temperatures. A 2007 Arctic Communications Infrastructure Assessment (ACIA) / IPCC model predicted that, by mid-century, the entire Arctic Ocean could be ice-free for a short period in the summer. Navigable waterways will facilitate a soar in commercial, military, and pleasure trips, exponentially increasing marine traffic in the area. Already, oil tanker traffic is rising and fishing boats are going farther north.57 Claims to exploit the resources of the circumpolar region are likely to become more numerous and more actively pursued. The increasing marine access in the Arctic Ocean means potentially longer seasons of navigation and increasing ship traffic requires greater attention and stewardship by the Arctic states and all marine users58. Emerging marine safety and security challenges and environmental challenges need to be addressed proactively.


UNCLOS59 must be properly implemented in the Arctic and that potential gaps specific to the Arctic are addressed.

Recommendations from Arctic Council’s 2005-2009 Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment’s (AMSA) should be implemented completely.60

o Developing the uniformity of Arctic shipping governance in coastal seas and the central Arctic Ocean.61

o Creating effective monitoring and tracking systems for Arctic marine traffic to reduce the risks of incidents, facilitate response, and provide awareness of potential conflicts among multiple marine users.

o Utilizing the data from an Arctic observing system to enhance marine safety.

o Confronting the serious Arctic marine infrastructure deficit.

Institutionalization of the Polar Code for all ships operating in polar waters. o The Polar Code – a code relating to ship’s construction standards, polar

safety equipment, and ice navigator qualifications – is currently being developed by the International Maritime Organization.62

o The Polar Code should be mandatory for all ships operating in polar waters.

o There should be stronger emphasis in the Polar Code on qualifications of ice navigators for operating Arctic ships to prevent human safety issues and adverse environmental outcomes.

56

Ellis, B., Brigham, L. (Eds.). Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report. Tromsø, NO: Arctic Council. 57

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (2007). Canadian Sovereignty in the Arctic: Challenges for the RCMP. Ottawa, ON: RCMP. 58

Ellis, B., Brigham, L. (Eds.). Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report. Tromsø, NO: Arctic Council. 59

See United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htm 60

Ibid. 61

Brigham, L. W. "Marine Safety, Environmental Protection and Governance Implications of Future Arctic Marine Transport.” Oslo Science Conference. Oslo, NO. 9 Jun. 2010. 62

Brigham, L. W. (2011, October 27). [The Polar Code: What does it mean for Arctic shipping?]. Det Norske Veritas.

http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htm


23

Create PSSAs (Particularly Sensitive Sea Area) to protect vulnerable areas in the Arctic Ocean from the impacts of increased shipping.

o Both WWF and the Arctic Council support the creation of PSSAs in the Arctic Ocean.63

o Refer to WWF’s proposal to establish a PSSA in the Wadden Sea.64

Institutionalization and implementation of a multi-lateral regulatory framework on the shipping of resources and other developments for the purposes of safety, security, and environmental protection.

MV Lyubov Orlova in the Arctic. It was a double-hulled ship able to withstand sea ice.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Challenges

The Arctic has a wealth of unexploited renewable energy sources including, wind, hydro, tidal, solar and biomass.65 However, most remote Arctic communities rely on expensive imported oil, which threaten this region by contributing to climate change.66 Several challenges explain the continued reliance on fossil fuels in the Arctic. The Arctic’s small and sparse population, lack of local technical expertise, and lack of infrastructure, coupled with the high up-front cost of renewable energy projects make remote renewable energy projects challenging. Distorted market subsidies combined with a lack of investment to develop renewable technology in the northern environment are additional difficulties.67

The potential for new renewable energy infrastructure in the Arctic is enormous and developing the renewable energy sector would create jobs in northern communities,

63

WWF. (n.d.). Oceans and coasts of the Arctic. Retrieved from http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/what_we_do/marine/; Ellis, B., Brigham, L. (Eds.). Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report. Tromsø, NO: Arctic Council. 64

See “Protection of the Wadden Sea from ship accidents through the establishment of a PSSA Wadden Sea”: http://www.ngo.grida.no/wwfneap/Projects/Reports/PSSA_WaddenSea_English.pdf 65

Hemsath, J. (2008). Interim Report on the Arctic Energy Summit – An International Polar Year Project – Project #299. Anchorage, AK: Institute of the North. 66

Ah-You, K., Leng, G. (2010). Renewable Energy in Remote Communities. Ottawa, ON: Natural Resources Canada. 67

Ibid.

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/what_we_do/marine/

http://www.ngo.grida.no/wwfneap/Projects/Reports/PSSA_WaddenSea_English.pdf


24

promote energy independence and stimulate the economy if the energy could be exported south.68 It represents an excellent opportunity to jumpstart an Arctic green economy in the context of poverty eradication. Additionally, clean energy is an issue that unites the north and the south, with Small Island Developing States adopting the Barbados Declaration in 2012 to “address universal access to modern and affordable renewable energy services while protecting environment, ending poverty, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.69” These must be common goals not just for southern states but also northern states in the Arctic region.

As the implementation of renewable energy solutions in the Arctic progresses, precautions need to be taken to protect endangered species, habitats and biodiversity.70 For a more in depth analysis of the Arctic’s renewable energy potential, refer to “Paths to a Renewable North: A Pan-territorial Renewable Energy Inventory.”71


The Students on Ice Alumni Delegation supports the following proposals to promote renewable energy use in the Arctic:

Improve capacity building and technical training so the renewable sector will generate jobs for northern communities.

Increased research and development into polar-adapted renewable energy technology.72

Connect Arctic communities to the grid and improve transmission and transportation capacity so energy can be exported south where applicable (i.e. in Canada).73

Support research to assess the available renewable resources in each Arctic region.

Support research to strengthen economic potential of northern renewable energy exploitation.74

Phase out fossil fuel subsidies and transition to renewable energy subsidies.

Encourage investments in energy efficiency improvements.

Use policy to increase supply of energy (i.e. net metering and independent power producer arrangements).75

68

Environment Departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories, Government of Nunavut, and the Government of Nunavut. Paths to a Renewable Future: A Pan-Territorial Renewable Energy Inventory. Yellowknife, NT; Iqaluit, NU; Whitehorse, YT: A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and a Better Canada. 69

See Barbados Declration for Sustainable Energy for All: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf 70

Nordby, K. (2010). Wind Power in Northern Norway. Oslo, NO: Zero Emission Resource Organization. 71

Ibid. See: http://www.anorthernvision.ca/documents/RenewableEnergyInventoryEN.pdf 72

Hemsath, J. (2008). Interim Report on the Arctic Energy Summit – An International Polar Year Project – Project #299. Anchorage, AK: Institute of the North. 73


Hemsath, J. (2008). Interim Report on the Arctic Energy Summit – An International Polar Year Project – Project #299. Anchorage, AK: Institute of the North.

http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf

http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf

http://www.anorthernvision.ca/documents/RenewableEnergyInventoryEN.pdf


25

ARCTIC INDIGENOUS ISSUES

Arctic development will have important implications for the Indigenous peoples of the region. To ensure that Arctic development is sustainable, the unique social and economic position of these communities must be considered. It is also incredibly important to consider an integrated management approach as development moves forward in the Arctic. Forums must be held for Indigenous people to actively contribute their thoughts and ideas to decision-making. The people of the North are being directly affected by climate change and changes in the Arctic and therefore have a wealth of firsthand knowledge that should be fully considered in any land-use and resource management plans and decision-making for Arctic development.76

SOCIO-CULTURAL-ECONOMIC ISSUES

Challenges

Practical solutions need to be initiated to support the local economy, culture, and health of Northern Indigenous communities. Northern Indigenous communities must be able to cope with a host of emerging sustainable development challenges, many of which are due to climate change. These emerging challenges include: infrastructure development, increasing marine transportation, new resource development, and changing demographics occurring in the Arctic, among many other factors.

Food, infrastructure, and transportation in northern communities are all becoming vulnerable as a result of these challenges.77 In addition, social challenges already exist pertaining to low quality, sub-standard housing, as well as numerous health issues both physically and mentally. Government subsidies and a lack of education are other negative factors weighing on youth in the north. Unemployment levels are high, at 17.5 percent in Labrador, Canada.78 Sanitation and proper drinking water are issues that need to be addressed, as they contribute to poor Indigenous health.79

As climate change opens the Arctic up to resource development and marine transportation, steps must be taken to ensure that the legal and self-determination rights of Indigenous communities are upheld in the context of development projects. Self-determination has had success in the Arctic, with examples being the existing land claims settlements in Canada80, Alaska (US) and the development of self-government in 75


Furgal, C., Sheldon, T. (2011). Inuit Knowledge and Geospatial Ontologies in Nunatsiavut. Retrieved from http://www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca/research/summary.php?project_id=72 77

Koivurova, T., Tervo, H., Stepien, A. (2008). Summary, Background Paper, Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic: Arctic TRANSFORM. 78

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. (2012). Labrador Portion of the EI Economic Region of Newfoundland-Labrador (2000). Retrieved from http://srv129.services.gc.ca/rbin/eng/nfld2.aspx?rates=1 79

Ford, J., Pearce, T., Duerden, F., Furgal, C., Smit, B. (2010). Climate Change Policy Responses for Canada’ Inuit

Population: The importance of and opportunities for adaptation. Global Environmental Change, 20, 177-191. 80

Oceans North Canada. (n.d.). Northern Voices and Communities. Retrieved from http://oceansnorth.org/northern-voices-and-communities

http://www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca/research/summary.php?project_id=72

http://srv129.services.gc.ca/rbin/eng/nfld2.aspx?rates=1

http://oceansnorth.org/northern-voices-and-communities

http://oceansnorth.org/northern-voices-and-communities


26

Greenland.81 These land claims settlements and self-governance structures should be used as frameworks for sustainable development in parts of the Arctic.

With youth making up over 50 percent of the Indigenous population in the Arctic82, education and communication programs and policies need to be introduced within communities to ensure a healthy, capable generation. Strengthening education and communication will produce future leaders in the Arctic and empower the future generation of Indigenous peoples. Existing issues of poverty, suicide, alcoholism, and depression in northern Indigenous communities are already severe. With new influences from the south and changing environmental conditions contributing to these issues, the aforementioned issues could worsen.83 Traditional subsistence lifestyle is in risk of being disrupted. Proactive approaches must be taken to improve these challenges.

Inuit youth in Cape Dorset, Nunavut (2010).


Ensure legal and self-determination rights of Indigenous communities in the context of Arctic resource development. Self-determination is “the right to participate in the democratic process of governance and to influence one’s future – politically, socially, culturally, and economically.84” In particular, these

81

Statsministeriet. (n.d). The Greenland Self-government Arrangement. Retrieved from http://www.stm.dk/_p_13090.html 82

Buckler, C., Wright, L., Normand, L. (2009). Securing a Sustainable Future: Engaging and training the next generation of northern leaders. Winnipeg, MB: IISD. 83

Kaul, I. (2002). Challenges of Human Development in the Arctic. New York, NY: United Nations Development Programme. 84

International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA). (n.d.). Self determination of indigenous peoples. Retrieved from: http://www.iwgia.org/human-rights/self-determination

http://www.stm.dk/_p_13090.html

http://www.iwgia.org/human-rights/self-determination


27

rights include those affirmed in Articles 25 to 30 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples85 and Article 14 of the International Labour Organization Convention 16986 concerning the environment, land, and resources.

o Acknowledge the Anchorage Declaration (2009)87 and the Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development (2011)88 as frameworks for sustainable development in the Arctic.

o Arctic states should ratify the International Labour Organization Convention 16989

Enhance investment and communication by industry, government, academia, the non-governmental sector to provide education to Indigenous communities to build local capacity, focusing on youth. Quoting Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) (2006), “Many of our children and youth are in crisis. We need to work with parents and community members to provide a solid foundation.”

o Programs of education and methods of communication must be supported to share knowledge, teach skills, and preserve culture. It is important to support education especially for children and youth.

o Invest in realizing the “National Inuit Education Strategy” by ITK, a blueprint for the education system Inuit people desire.90

o Follow through on recommendations in “Securing a Sustainable Future in the Arctic: Engaging and training the next generation of northern leaders” by IISD.91

o Invest in new and existing post-secondary scholarships and educational programs for Indigenous peoples.

Empower Arctic Youth through opportunity. o Individual Indigenous or northern youth should become official

representatives in their respective Arctic government delegations and in the Indigenous Permanent Member groups of the Arctic Council. In 2008, the Canadian delegation brought a northern youth to the Arctic Council.92

85

See United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf 86


See “Anchorage Declaration”, which was adopted at the conclusion of the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit on Climate Change, held in Anchorage, Alaska, from 20 to 24 April 2009: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/E_C_19_2009_CRP9_en.doc 88

See “Inuit Circumpolar Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat” (2011): http://www.itk.ca/sites/default/files/Declaration%20on%20Resource%20Development%20A3%20FINAL[1].pdf 89


See “First Canadians, Canadians First: The National Strategy on Inuit Education” (2011) developed by ITK: http://www.itk.ca/publication/national-strategy-inuit-education 91

Buckler, C., Wright, L., Normand, L. (2009) Securing a Sustainable Future in the Arctic: Engaging and training the next generation of northern leaders. Winnipeg, MB: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). 92

Ibid.

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf


http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/E_C_19_2009_CRP9_en.doc

http://www.itk.ca/sites/default/files/Declaration%20on%20Resource%20Development%20A3%20FINAL%5b1%5d.pdf


http://www.itk.ca/publication/national-strategy-inuit-education


28

ANTARCTICA AS A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In spite of its sparse population, the Antarctic region presents many opportunities to promote a global transition to a green economy and to renew political commitment to sustainable development. Efforts should be made to improve conservation of land and marine ecosystems, and to support carbon neutrality in the region.

MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Challenges

Marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Antarctic region are being impacted by climate change. The Protocol on Environmental Protection was adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties to address the environmental concerns with climate change impacts.93

The Southern Ocean is defined as a closed ecosystem due to the Antarctic Convergence (AC), where the colder waters of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the warmer waters to the north meet. The AC creates the Antarctic Front, which acts as a biological barrier. Therefore, the Antarctic marine and coastal ecosystems – closed ecosystems – do not rely on external nutrient exchange. 94 However, the Antarctic ecosystems are being directly affected by external environmental changes. Anthropogenic climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is resulting in rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification globally, including the Southern Ocean. Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification are already adversely threatening the benthic (lowest level of body of water) and pelagic (open sea) food webs of Antarctica’s marine and ecosystems.95 Plankton and other marine species are affected by lower pH levels.

Additionally, warmer ocean currents, largely caused by climate change, are causing ice sheets in Antarctica to melt from below.96 The result is a release of ancient CO2 reserves, perpetuating a positive feedback loop causing further climate change.

Another issue is that year by year increases in anthropogenic krill harvesting is contributing to the depleting krill supply that is a crucial part of the food chain in Antarctic marine ecosystems. For the first time, in 2010, part of the kill fishery had to be closed as the catch limit was reached in a particular region.97 Krill are a keystone species in the Antarctic because they are at the bottom of the food chain and are the

93

See “Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty” signed in 1991 and entered into force in 1998: http://www.ats.aq/documents/recatt/Att006_e.pdf 94

Institute of Marine Research (IMR). (n.d.). The Southern Ocean Ecosystem (Antarctic). Bergen, NO: IMR. 95

Aronson, R. B., Thatje, S., McClintock, J. B., Hughes, K. A. (2011). Anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems in Antarctica. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1223, 82-107. 96

British Antarctic Survey. (2012, April 25). Press Release - Warm ocean currents cause majority of ice loss from Antarctica. Retrieved from http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/press/press_releases/press_release.php?id=1799 97

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC). (n.d.). Krill Conservation. Retrieved from http://www.asoc.org/issues-and-advocacy/krill-conservation

http://www.ats.aq/documents/recatt/Att006_e.pdf

http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/press/press_releases/press_release.php?id=1799


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main food source for most of the species found in Antarctic waters.98 The decrease in krill is already seeing alarmingly visible effects. It is likely resulting in the decline of Adélie and Chinstrap penguins in the West Antarctic peninsula/Scotia Sea area, whose populations have decreased by over 50 percent in the last thirty years.99

Gentoo penguins at Danco Island, Antarctica (2011).

Tourism and increased human presence also exists in the Antarctic region and should be monitored for human impact on the existing ecosystems. In the 2010-2011 season, there were a total of 33, 824 seaborne, airborne, landed and cruise-only tourists.100 In accordance with the Protocol on Environmental Protection, there are guidelines for non-governmental activities and tourist activities.101 Guidelines regarding visitors, invasive species, decontamination, and wildlife watching in Antarctica have been developed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). While seaborne and cruise tourism can share the beauty of Antarctica to the world and raise awareness to its vulnerability, potentially catastrophic risks of oil spill, waste disposal, and ship wreckage are also present.

98

Kawaguchi, S., Kurihara, H., King, R., Hale, L., Berli, T., Robinson, J. P., et al. (2011). Will krill fare well under Southern ocean acidification? Biol Lett, 7(2), 288-291. 99

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. (2011). Proceedings from CCAMLR-XXX: Unhappy Feet: The Reduction of Adélie and Chinstrap Penguin Populations in the West Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea. Hobart, TAS: CCAMLR. 100

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). (2011). 2010-2011 Tourists by Nationality. Providence, RI: IAATO. 101

See “Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty” signed in 1991 and entered into force in 1998: http://www.ats.aq/documents/recatt/Att006_e.pdf

http://www.ats.aq/documents/recatt/Att006_e.pdf


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Reduce acidification of Southern Ocean by reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Protect krill populations by decreasing krill catch limits to levels necessary for recovery of penguin populations—this is the precautionary approach to managing the krill fishery.

Continue to monitor and protect Antarctic marine and coastal ecosystems by completing Conservation Measures of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Ecosystem Monitoring Programme.102

Enforce visitor guidelines during all expeditions and penalize visitors who repeatedly breach guidelines.

ANTARCTIC CARBON NEUTRALITY

Description

A carbon-neutral Antarctic continent would be a global model for sustainable development. It would build upon the Protocol on Environmental Protection of the Antarctic Treaty. While the Antarctic region has been dedicated to peace and scientific research, Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties should strive for further steps to ensure that the CO2 emissions from research stations, visitor tourism and travel, and other human activities are minimized to protect the natural ecosystems of Antarctica. Thus, directives should be implemented to create a zero-carbon region in Antarctica.

The Students on Ice Alumni Delegation envisions a carbon-neutral Antarctica as a place where:

Research stations are powered by viable renewable energies.

Fossil fuels are not imported to Antarctica and not used in its research stations.

A protocol to limit and phase out CO2 emissions from seaborne, airborne, and land transportation is adopted when viable renewable energies emerge.


Retrofit existing research stations to be partially powered by renewable energies (wind and solar) as pilot initiatives103; if viable, mandate renewable energy technologies in new research stations.

Adopt a quota system for CO2 emissions at research stations and related research activities based on criteria established at an upcoming Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

102

See the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Programme: http://www.ccamlr.org/Pu/e/sc/cemp/intro.htm 103

See “Wind and Solar Powered Research Stations” in The Green Energy Collective for current renewable energy initiatives: http://theenergycollective.com/taylenpeterson/40184/wind-and-solar-energy-power-antarctic-research-stations?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Netvibes

http://www.ccamlr.org/Pu/e/sc/cemp/intro.htm

http://theenergycollective.com/taylenpeterson/40184/wind-and-solar-energy-power-antarctic-research-stations?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=The+Energy+Collective+%28all+posts%29&utm_content=Netvibes




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Limit and offset CO2 emissions from tourism and travel in accordance with the UNWTO Davos Declaration (2007) which designates the tourism industry to take certain measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.104

Adopt recommendations presented at the 2008 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, to:105

o “Establish a mandatory obligation to record the greenhouse gas emissions from stations, field camps, aircraft and vessels of all types- including tourism, fishing, whaling, scientific research, logistical supply, and fuel delivery vessels and aircrafts.

o Recognize the need for climate change adaptation strategies, including the value that a network of Marine Protected Areas can bring to climate change adaptation.

o Establish a formal program to off-set greenhouse gas emissions from all stations, vessels, and aircrafts, given that those are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol.”

Lemaire Channel, a strait off Antarctica, is one of the top tourist attractions in Antarctica.

104

See “Davos Declaration: Climate Change and Tourism Responding to Global Challenges” from the Second International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism: http://sdt.unwto.org/sites/all/files/docpdf/davosdeclaration.pdf 105

Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC). (2008). Impacts of Climate Change on Antarctic Ecosystems. ATCM XXXI. Kiev: ASOC.

http://sdt.unwto.org/sites/all/files/docpdf/davosdeclaration.pdf


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JOIN US IN TAKING ACTION

In this document we have shared our vision for the future of the Polar Regions with you. However, without your personal action – whether you are a decision-maker, a civil society member, or youth – a sustainable future for the Polar Regions will never be achieved. If you are inspired to act, we invite you to join us in taking action. Together, we can navigate towards polar sustainability. This is what you can do: Delegates at the Rio+20 Earth Summit

1. Make a statement at the Rio+20 Earth Summit about the importance of sustainable development in the context of the Polar Regions.

2. Recognize the challenge of sustainable development in the Polar Regions as an emerging issue at the Rio+20 Earth Summit

3. Champion our four key messages to amend the Zero Draft (see page 6)

Civil Society + Youth 1. Share this recommendation paper with at least 2 of your friends. 2. Learn more about sustainable development in the Polar Regions by:

a. Participating in a Students on Ice Expedition: www.studentsonice.com b. Watch a film about the Polar Regions such as: March of the Penguins; Qapirangajuq (Inuit Knowledge & Climate Change); Frozen Planet: On Thin Ice c. Read a book about the Polar Regions such as: i. Antarctica: A Call to Action by Sebastien Copeland ii. The Vanishing Arctic by Bryan Alexander and Cherry Alexander

3. Reduce your ecological footprint: a. http://www.deficlimat.qc.ca/?q=EN/node/140 b. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/reduce-your-carbon-footprint/ and measure your ecological footprint: c. http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/

4. Make a personal commitment to the Polar Regions. Tell us what personal action you have taken by emailing [email protected] or tweet us @SOIDelegation & we will post, re-tweet, and share it online!

5. Send an email/letter to your government representative about why the Polar Regions matter to you.

6. Organize a campaign with a youth group to raise awareness about the Polar Regions 7. Do a school project on the Polar Regions. 8. Organize an educational presentation at your school, library or community centre on

why the Polar Regions are important. 9. Donate to organizations that are promoting sustainability in the Polar Regions:

a. Students on Ice: http://studentsonice.com/index.php?content=donations b. WWF Arctic: http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/support_wwf/ c. Canadian Arctic Resources Committee: http://www.carc.org/

For questions, comments, or to arrange a meeting, please contact: [email protected]

http://www.studentsonice.com/

http://www.deficlimat.qc.ca/?q=EN/node/140

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/reduce-your-carbon-footprint/

http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/


http://studentsonice.com/index.php?content=donations

http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/support_wwf/

http://www.carc.org/


Navigating From Rio+20 to Polar Sustainability - Students on Ice Alumni Delegation

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