Arctic Pollution: Understanding The Causes And Impact

The Arctic, despite being sparsely populated and having little industry, is a major repository for pollutants from around the world. These pollutants include plastics, pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDT, PCBs, and dioxins. POPs are of particular concern as they can be transported over long distances, remain in the environment, accumulate in ecosystems, and have detrimental effects on human and environmental health. The Arctic Ocean basin acts as a 'sink' for industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are transported there by ocean currents and atmospheric transport. Local sources of pollution include waste from settlements, fisheries, and industrial activity. Climate change and military activity, particularly nuclear activity, are also contributing factors to pollution in the Arctic.

Plastic pollution

The primary sources of plastic pollution in the Arctic are fisheries, landfills, wastewater, and offshore industrial activity. Abandoned fishing nets and other plastic debris from the fishing industry, such as vinyl gloves, nylon trawl remains, and plastic bags, make up a significant portion of the plastic waste found on Arctic beaches and in the ocean. This waste can originate from local fishing activities or be transported by ocean currents, winds, and rivers from distant regions, including the coasts of northwest Europe, the UK, and the east coast of the United States.

The impact of plastic pollution in the Arctic is widespread and detrimental. Large pieces of plastic waste can entangle marine mammals, such as reindeer, and act as rafts for invasive species to hitchhike across oceans. As plastic degrades into smaller microplastics, they are ingested by a variety of Arctic animals, including seabirds, fish, and invertebrates. Northern fulmars, for example, have been found with plastics in their stomachs, and plastic particles have been detected in Greenland sharks, which can live for 500 years.

The accumulation of plastic pollution in the Arctic is a growing concern. The Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea have seen a significant increase in deep-ocean plastic, with a 50% rise between 2002 and 2014. High concentrations of microplastics have also been recorded in the surface waters northwest of Novaya Zemlya and on the west side of Svalbard and Greenland. If the current trend continues, the Barents Sea may have its own garbage patch by 2050, similar to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Addressing plastic pollution in the Arctic requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts are being made to improve waste management practices in Arctic communities, such as implementing mandatory collection programs and improving landfill infrastructure. There is also a focus on reducing the use of disposable plastic items and pollution from various industries, including cosmetics, textiles, paints, and car tyres. Additionally, the Arctic Council and organizations like the WWF are conducting studies and expeditions to better understand the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, with the aim of informing policy decisions and global responses to tackle this critical issue.

Military activity

Secondly, the use of nuclear-powered icebreakers by countries like Russia to facilitate year-round shipping has resulted in radioactive contamination of the Arctic environment. These icebreakers also contribute to unprecedented sea-level rises, causing the erosion of beaches and indentation of deltas. Additionally, the sound pollution produced by icebreakers interferes with the sonic communication patterns of sea mammals such as whales.

The growing presence of military weapons systems and cargo transport methods employed by various countries' militaries has raised concerns about increased pollution in the region. The management of marine pollution risks falls under the legislation of coastal states, but there is currently no legal framework regarding weapons and other military presence. While the Arctic Council was founded in 1996 to promote cooperation and sustainable development among Arctic states, the lack of a comprehensive legal framework specifically addressing military-related pollution remains a concern.

The United States, recognizing the Arctic's strategic importance, has appointed its first ambassador to the region and is expanding its military presence. This expansion includes allocating funds for climate change measures, such as infrastructure investments and vehicle electrification projects. However, the majority of the funding is directed towards military capabilities and territorial conflicts, rather than solely focusing on mitigating climate change.

Climate change itself is impacting US military bases in the Arctic, with soaring temperatures and melting ice causing structural damage to runways and roads, as well as worsening flood risks. Despite this, inspections of US military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions revealed a lack of required assessments and planning to prepare for long-term climate change. This indicates a disconnect between the recognition of climate change as a threat and the implementation of necessary adaptations.

In conclusion, military activity in the Arctic has led to various forms of pollution, including radioactive contamination, plastic pollution, and the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The lack of comprehensive legal frameworks and the prioritization of economic and strategic interests over environmental protection contribute to the persistence of military-related pollution in the region.

Industrial development

The Arctic is a region with little industry, but it is still affected by industrial pollution. Industrial development has led to an increase in human activity in the Arctic, with the implementation of new large-scale projects for industrial development. This includes the exploitation of natural resources, such as oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and non-ferrous metals. The Arctic is also experiencing a boom in the development of liquid hydrocarbon deposits, with oil production expected to increase in the coming years.

The main sources of industrial pollution in the Arctic are oil and gas extraction, mining, and waste from fisheries and landfills. Oil and gas exploration activities, such as gas flaring, release pollutants that contribute to the warming of the region and have implications for biodiversity and the local population. The search for oil and gas deposits in the Arctic has a long history, dating back almost a century.

The effects of industrial pollution in the Arctic are far-reaching. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) released from industrial activities can have long-term impacts on the environment and human health. These chemicals can be transported over long distances and remain in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems. POPs can be found in everyday products, such as flame retardants and detergents, and can contaminate the food chain, affecting both wildlife and indigenous people who rely on traditional diets.

In addition to chemical pollution, industrial development has also contributed to light pollution in the Arctic. Artificial light at night can disrupt the behavior of local species, such as reindeer, and foster the expansion of invasive species. It is estimated that if the growth rate of industrial development between 1940-1990 is maintained, 50-80% of the Arctic may reach critical levels of anthropogenic disturbance by 2050.

To address the impacts of industrial pollution, organizations such as the Arctic Council and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) are monitoring Arctic pollution and offering scientific advice to Arctic governments on how to deal with contaminants. International efforts, such as the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) in Europe, aim to tackle the challenges faced by industrial development in the Arctic.

Commercial fisheries

Commercial fishing activities have been identified as a local source of plastic pollution in the Arctic. Plastic debris and microplastics from fisheries, landfills, and wastewater have infiltrated terrestrial and aquatic systems, even reaching the deep seafloor. These pollutants accumulate in certain areas, impacting local ecosystems and leading to entanglement and ingestion by marine life such as mammals, seabirds, fish, and invertebrates.

The Barents Sea, situated on the margin of the Arctic Ocean, is home to the world's northernmost large-scale commercial fisheries. This region has been significantly impacted by global warming, with late summer temperatures rising by almost 1.5°C in the last four decades. The reduction in sea ice has exposed areas around Svalbard to more fishing, particularly targeting commercially important fish species that have shifted northwards, such as cod and haddock.

Climate change and the subsequent environmental alterations have direct and indirect impacts on indigenous and commercial Arctic fisheries. As fish species migrate towards the north and food webs shift, existing fisheries may face serious obstacles, requiring the development of new fisheries and management strategies for migratory fish stocks. For example, the decline in snow crab populations in Alaskan waters has impacted commercial fishing activities.

As the Arctic continues to warm at an accelerated rate, it is essential to address the pollution caused by commercial fisheries and other human activities. Sustainable management of marine resources and the implementation of conservation measures are crucial to protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the way of life of indigenous communities.

Climate change

The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental changes due to climate change, posing risks to the health, livelihoods, and cultural identities of local communities. The warming of the Arctic is accelerating warming across the entire Earth. This is due to the diminishing sea ice cover exposing the darker ocean surface, which absorbs more sunlight and allows more heat to enter the Arctic system. This creates a feedback loop, as less sea ice means more heat absorption and more climate change within the region and beyond. The Arctic glaciers and ice caps contribute significantly to global sea-level rise, and as they melt, their impact will be felt worldwide.

The Arctic is experiencing shifting seasons, with summer sea ice shrinking by 13% per decade and becoming younger and thinner. The earlier timing of ice melt puts ice-dependent animals like narwhals, polar bears, and walruses at risk. If the global temperature increase exceeds 1.5°C, the Arctic will lose its summer ice within decades. The warming Arctic is also causing more frequent and severe wildfires, particularly in Alaska and Siberia, leading to evacuations, economic losses, and negative health effects. These wildfires release greenhouse gases, creating a negative feedback loop for climate change, and threatening habitats for species like caribou and salmon.

To address these challenges, there is a need for stronger climate policies and a transition to a nature-based economy. Creating a network of protected areas in the Arctic Ocean, such as the ArcNet framework, can help strengthen the resilience of Arctic biodiversity. Additionally, reducing emissions and releases of pollutants, as well as phasing out offshore oil and gas projects, are crucial steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change on the Arctic region.

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