Preserving The Arctic: Stopping Pollution At The Top Of The World

The Arctic is a remote, sparsely populated region with little industry. However, pollution poses a significant threat to the people and wildlife that do inhabit the area. The Arctic acts as a chemical sink, trapping industrial and agricultural chemicals from all over the world. These pollutants are transported by ocean currents and atmospheric patterns, and as the climate crisis intensifies, the problem of Arctic pollution will worsen. To stop pollution in the Arctic, it is essential to address the root causes and implement measures to reduce emissions and plastic production. International cooperation is vital to mitigating the impact of pollution on the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

Reduce plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in the Arctic, with plastic debris and microplastics infiltrating terrestrial and aquatic systems, the cryosphere, and the atmosphere. This pollution has severe ecological, socioeconomic, and public health implications. To reduce plastic pollution in the Arctic, several measures can be implemented:

Improve Waste Management

Arctic communities need better waste management systems to prevent plastic waste from ending up in the ocean. This includes proper disposal of plastic waste, improving sewage treatment, and promoting recycling initiatives. Countries like Norway have successfully reduced plastic pollution by implementing return and refund schemes for plastic bottles, encouraging recycling, and providing economic incentives for manufacturers to participate in deposit schemes.

Reduce Plastic Consumption

There is a need to reduce the production and consumption of plastics globally. The upcoming UN Treaty on plastic pollution is expected to include measures to curb plastic production. Additionally, local initiatives can be taken to reduce plastic usage, such as banning single-use plastics, plastic bags, and microbeads in cosmetics, as some countries have already done.

Enhance International Collaboration

Plastic pollution is a global issue that requires international collaboration. The Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter is an example of international cooperation to address marine litter from various sources, including fisheries, ships, and onshore waste. By working together, countries can implement sustainable practices, strengthen monitoring, and conduct research to better understand and combat plastic pollution in the Arctic.

Promote Community-Driven Initiatives

Community-driven initiatives and collaborative action are essential in tackling waste management challenges in remote Arctic regions. Empowering local communities to take ownership of the issue can lead to innovative solutions and effective waste management practices. This can include educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community clean-up efforts.

Focus on Sustainable Alternatives

Encouraging the use of sustainable and biodegradable materials can help reduce the presence of persistent plastics in the Arctic. For example, fully biodegradable panels and gillnets can be utilized to minimize the impact on marine fauna and ecosystems. By investing in research and development of eco-friendly alternatives, we can create more sustainable options for industries and consumers alike.

Limit chemical contaminants

The Arctic acts as a chemical sink, locking away pollutants from Europe, Asia, and even further afield. These pollutants are transported to the Arctic via rivers, ocean currents, and the atmosphere. The cold temperatures and icy environment slow the degradation of these pollutants, which include heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT, PCBs, and dioxins.

To limit chemical contaminants in the Arctic, it is essential to address their sources and implement measures to reduce their presence in the region. Here are some key strategies:

• International Cooperation: Addressing chemical contamination in the Arctic requires collaboration between nations. International agreements, such as the UN ECE's Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Protocol and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, are vital frameworks for tackling this issue. By working together, nations can share information, develop emission reduction strategies, and enforce regulations that limit the release of chemical contaminants.
• Emission Reduction Projects: Organizations like the Arctic Council and the Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) play a crucial role in monitoring and reducing emissions. ACAP, for instance, works with local authorities, businesses, trade organizations, and environmental stakeholders to promote emission reduction activities. These projects aim to encourage national actions and policy changes that specifically target the reduction of chemical contaminants.
• Phasing Out Harmful Substances: Banning and phasing out the use of certain substances has proven effective in reducing their environmental presence. For example, the ban on leaded petrol contributed to a significant decrease in lead levels globally, including in the Arctic. Similarly, banning the manufacture and use of harmful chemicals, such as PCBs and chlorinated sprays, can help limit their impact on the Arctic ecosystem.
• Addressing Industrial and Military Sources: Economic activities, industrial development, and military presence are significant sources of chemical contaminants in the Arctic. Implementing stricter regulations and promoting sustainable practices in these sectors can help reduce the release of pollutants. This includes managing wastewater, minimizing chemical and waste emissions from resource exploitation (e.g., mining, oil, and gas extraction), and addressing the environmental impact of military activities, especially those related to nuclear power.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising public awareness about the impacts of chemical contaminants in the Arctic is essential. Educational campaigns can highlight the dangers of everyday products that contain POPs, such as flame retardants and detergents. By informing the public about the potential health and environmental risks, individuals can make more informed choices, reducing their contribution to chemical contamination.

By implementing these strategies and continuing to research and monitor chemical contaminants, it is possible to limit their impact on the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the health of the people and wildlife that depend on it.

Mitigate noise pollution

The Arctic has historically been one of the least disturbed ocean environments due to its sound-absorbing ice landscapes. However, with the recent increase in shipping traffic, underwater noise pollution has emerged as a pressing issue, threatening the delicate Arctic ecosystem and the marine mammals that inhabit it. Here are some measures to mitigate noise pollution in the Arctic:

Implement noise-reducing measures for ships

The primary source of underwater noise in the Arctic is cavitation, which occurs when ship propellers produce vacuum bubbles. To address this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed voluntary guidelines for underwater noise. While these guidelines have not shown significant effectiveness, several member states and NGOs have put forward proposals for reducing underwater noise. These proposals will be discussed by the IMO subcommittee, with the aim of establishing mandatory compliance with minimum standards as part of the Polar Code classification process. Additionally, collective self-governance and economic incentive programs at the port level can encourage voluntary compliance with more stringent classification levels.

Strengthen governance of shipping noise

Strengthening the governance of shipping noise at a strategic level can catalyse industry-wide change. This includes implementing technical and operational measures to reduce noise at the source, such as ship classification certification schemes. By involving stakeholders at Arctic ports, policymakers can assess the feasibility of reduced port fees for ships that comply with noise reduction measures. This not only incentivises compliance but also encourages further exploration of pollution prevention measures to safeguard the Arctic ecosystem.

Raise awareness and conduct research

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is actively researching the impacts of noise pollution on marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic. By investing time and resources into similar research initiatives, we can deepen our understanding of the problem and explore potential solutions. Raising awareness about the consequences of noise pollution on marine life is crucial for driving policy changes and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

Explore alternative transportation methods

The increase in shipping traffic directly contributes to the rise in underwater noise. Exploring alternative transportation methods, such as utilising quieter vessels or developing new transportation technologies, can help reduce the overall noise levels in the Arctic. Additionally, implementing measures to manage and optimise shipping traffic can minimise the cumulative impact of multiple vessels operating in close proximity.

Establish protected areas

Designating specific areas in the Arctic as protected zones can provide a refuge for marine mammals to escape the detrimental effects of noise pollution. These zones can offer a haven for species to communicate, navigate, and reproduce without the interference of anthropogenic noise.

Phase out heavy metals

Phasing out heavy metals is a critical step in addressing Arctic pollution. Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, pose significant threats to both human and wildlife populations in the Arctic. These metals are emitted from various sources, including traffic, industry, and long-range transport from distant regions with high industrial activity.

To phase out heavy metals, several actions can be taken:

• Reduce industrial activity: Heavy metals are often released into the environment through industrial processes. By reducing or regulating industrial activities, particularly in regions that supply pollutants to the Arctic, the emission of heavy metals can be decreased.
• Transition to cleaner energy sources: Moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources can help reduce the presence of heavy metals in the environment. For example, the shift from leaded to unleaded petrol contributed to a 30% reduction in lead levels globally, including in the Arctic, between 1994 and 2010.
• Implement international agreements: Collaborating through agreements like the 'UN ECE's Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants' can help establish regulations and standards for reducing heavy metal emissions.
• Encourage recycling and waste management: Proper waste management practices can prevent the release of heavy metals into the environment. Implementing recycling programs, such as Norway's successful plastic bottle recycling initiative, can reduce the amount of heavy metals that end up in landfills and the ocean, ultimately affecting the Arctic.
• Address military activity: The presence of military weapons and nuclear-powered icebreakers in the Arctic contributes to pollution, including the release of heavy metals. Bilateral agreements and legal frameworks focused on preventing marine pollution and addressing the environmental impact of military activity in the Arctic are essential.

By taking these comprehensive actions to phase out heavy metals, we can significantly reduce their presence in the Arctic and mitigate their harmful effects on the region's delicate ecosystem and the health of Indigenous peoples.

Ban persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that can be transported over long distances, persist in the environment, accumulate in ecosystems, and have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. They are a significant concern in the Arctic due to their potential for long-range transport and the region's unique characteristics.

POPs, such as DDT, PCBs, dioxins, and PFAS, can evaporate into the air but degrade slowly. These toxic chemicals accumulate in the food chain, from planktonic microorganisms to larger wildlife, such as polar bears, seals, and whales. As a result, indigenous people who consume contaminated prey as part of their traditional diet are also exposed to these toxins, which can affect human development, reproduction, hormone function, and immune system health.

To address the issue of POPs in the Arctic, several international agreements and initiatives have been established. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants aims to reduce and eliminate the production and use of POPs. Additionally, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), established in 1991, has been monitoring the extent and effects of pollution in the Arctic to inform policy decisions. The Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) works with local authorities, businesses, trade organizations, and environmental stakeholders to promote the reduction of POPs emissions and develop emission reduction projects.

Banning POPs is essential to mitigating their impact on the Arctic environment and human health. This involves prohibiting the manufacture, use, and trade of these chemicals and their containing products. Regulatory measures, such as bans and phase-out plans, have proven effective in reducing emissions and transport of substances like PCBs and chlorinated sprays. However, it is crucial to address the challenge of emerging contaminants and the constant introduction of new compounds that may impact the Arctic.

Furthermore, addressing the Arctic as a chemical sink is crucial. The region acts as a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from around the world, trapping them in the ground, air, water, and ice due to cold temperatures. As climate change accelerates the melting of ice, these trapped toxins are released into the sea and rivers, exacerbating the problem. Thus, mitigating climate change and preventing the long-range transport of pollutants to the Arctic are vital components of a comprehensive strategy to ban and eliminate POPs.

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