Helena Joyce
Pollution in the Arctic has been a growing concern since the mid-1950s, with various sources, including industrial development, military activity, and economic activities, contributing to the issue. The Arctic, despite its remote and sparsely populated nature, faces significant pollution challenges, particularly from contaminants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and plastic debris. These pollutants have severe ecological and human health consequences, impacting the food chain and the indigenous populations that rely on traditional diets. Addressing Arctic pollution requires international cooperation and the implementation of measures to reduce emissions and plastic production, with organizations like the Arctic Council and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) leading the way in monitoring and mitigating the impacts of pollution in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of earliest observation of pollution in the Arctic | 1883 |
| Pollutants | Soot, plastics, methane, pesticides, heavy metals, DDT, PCBs, dioxins, black carbon, microplastics, mercury, lead, carbon monoxide |
| Sources of pollutants | Industrial development, military activity, nuclear activity, commercial fisheries, chemical and waste emissions from resource exploitation, shipping activity, icebreakers, local emission sources, forest fires |
| Effects | Negative impacts on the environment and human health, global warming, melting of ice, sea level rise, interference with marine mammal communication, contamination of food chain |
| Organizations monitoring and addressing Arctic pollution | Arctic Council, Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP), International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) |
| Initiatives and agreements | UN ECE’s Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Treaty on Maritime Delimitation of the continental shelf in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean |
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What You'll Learn
Pollution from local and distant sources
The Arctic is a sparsely populated region with little industry. However, pollution poses a significant threat to the people and wildlife that do inhabit the area. The Arctic's pollution originates from both local and distant sources, with contaminants travelling to the high latitudes via rivers, oceans, and the air.
Local sources of Arctic pollution include economic activities, industrial development, and military activities, particularly nuclear activity. For instance, Russia operates a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, which contribute to the radioactive contamination of the Arctic environment. Furthermore, the Arctic states, despite generating just 10% of global black carbon emissions, are responsible for 30% of its warming effects in the Arctic due to their proximity to the region. Local air pollution in the Arctic can be severe and significantly exceed air quality standards, as seen in the case of Fairbanks, Alaska, where carbon monoxide pollution was a significant issue during the early 1970s.
Distant sources of Arctic pollution include industrial and agricultural chemicals from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. These chemicals are transported to the Arctic via air and ocean currents. The cold temperatures and ice-bound environment trap the toxins, which are then released into the sea and rivers when the ice melts in the summer. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as DDT, PCBs, and dioxins, are of particular concern as they can evaporate into the air, accumulate in the food chain, and have significant negative effects on human health and the environment.
The increase in shipping activity in the Arctic, driven by the reduction of polar ice caps, is also contributing to the region's pollution. This includes both chemical and plastic pollution, with plastic debris and microplastics now ubiquitous in the Arctic. The projected increase in shipping activity highlights the urgent need for mitigation measures to reduce plastic production and improve waste management.
To address these issues, various initiatives and organizations have been established. The Arctic Council, founded in 1996, aims to promote cooperation among Arctic states and encourage sustainable development and protection against pollution. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), a working group of the Arctic Council, monitors Arctic pollution and provides scientific advice to Arctic governments. Additionally, the Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) works with local authorities, businesses, and environmental stakeholders to reduce emissions and pollution. 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, also address the issue of Arctic pollution.
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The impact of military activity
The Arctic has long been a region of geopolitical interest, and with the onset of climate change, the region is becoming more accessible. The melting of ice in the Arctic has opened up new shipping lanes and exposed the region to exploitation. This has led to a military buildup in the region, as countries attempt to secure northern borders and project strength. The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, and this has significant implications for the region's security architecture.
The increased military presence in the Arctic has had, and will continue to have, a range of environmental impacts. Firstly, military activities contribute to increased emissions. Aircraft, in particular, are responsible for a large proportion of operational emissions. The US Air Force has the most significant military presence in the Arctic and aircraft emissions will only increase as the region becomes more accessible. Furthermore, the use of icebreakers to navigate the Arctic seas has contributed to the unprecedented rise in sea levels and the erosion of beaches and deltas. Icebreakers also produce large amounts of sound pollution, which interferes with the sonic communication patterns of sea mammals such as whales.
Military activities have also contributed to the pollution of the Arctic region with toxic chemicals. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are produced and released by military sites and can cause cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive disorders, and immune system disruption. These toxins bioaccumulate in the food chain, affecting wildlife and indigenous peoples who consume contaminated animals. While international cooperation has been successful in reducing some POPs, new chemical toxins continue to emerge.
The growing presence of military weapons systems in the Arctic has raised concerns about increased pollution and the potential for environmental disasters. While bilateral agreements exist between Arctic states on cooperation in the prevention of marine pollution, there is currently no legal framework relating to weapons and other military equipment. The management of specific risks associated with military activities falls primarily to coastal states, but the lack of a comprehensive legal framework leaves the Arctic vulnerable to potential pollution disasters.
In conclusion, the impact of military activity in the Arctic has been significant. The region's unique environment has been disturbed by increased emissions, sound pollution, toxic chemical contamination, and the potential for weapons-related disasters. As the Arctic continues to warm and become more accessible, the impact of military activities will only increase, posing a serious threat to the region's delicate ecosystem and the indigenous peoples who call it home.
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Climate change and plastic pollution
The Arctic is a sparsely populated region with little industry. However, pollution poses a significant threat to the people and wildlife that call the region home. The Arctic Ocean acts as a sink for industrial and agricultural chemicals, with pollutants transported there by air and ocean currents. Climate change is exacerbating the issue of plastic pollution in the Arctic. As the polar ice caps melt, increased shipping activity is expected to worsen pollution levels in the region.
Plastic pollution is now pervasive in the Arctic, infiltrating terrestrial and aquatic systems, the cryosphere, and the atmosphere. Floating plastic debris, such as abandoned fishing nets, can trap and entangle marine life, including fish, mammals, and even terrestrial mammals like reindeer when it washes up on the coast. Plastic can also act as a raft for invasive species, with non-native barnacles found on plastic debris in the Svalbard archipelago. As plastic degrades, it is ingested by animals of all sizes, accumulating in the food chain and affecting local ecosystems.
The Arctic's remote location and harsh environment have long preserved it as one of the most pristine places on Earth. However, the polar regions are warming faster than the rest of the planet, and the shrinking ice cap is leading to increased human activity. The Arctic is more vulnerable to remote sources of pollution, with most of the plastic found in the region originating from distant locations, including the coasts of northwest Europe, the UK, and the east coast of the United States.
The migration of plastic to the Arctic is a continuous process, with years' worth of plastic already in the oceans now making its way to the region. The Arctic Ocean acts as a dead end for floating plastics, with the landmasses and ice cap trapping the pollution. As the ice melts during the summer, toxins are released into the sea and rivers, contaminating the water and accumulating in the food chain.
Addressing Arctic pollution requires a coordinated effort at all levels of society. Initiatives such as the Arctic Council and its working groups are crucial for monitoring pollution, promoting cooperation among Arctic states, and providing scientific advice to governments. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) plays a vital role in tracking the extent and effects of pollution, while projects like the Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) aim to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of pollutants. International agreements, such as the UN ECE's Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, also contribute to the global effort to protect the Arctic.
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Air pollution and public health
The Arctic region is a remote, sparsely populated area with little industry. However, pollution poses a significant threat to the people and wildlife that inhabit the region. The Arctic Ocean acts as a sink for industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are transported there through air and ocean currents. These pollutants include heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can have detrimental effects on human health.
POPs are chemicals that can be transported over long distances and persist in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems. They are found in everyday products, such as flame retardants and detergents, and can be inhaled or ingested through contaminated food. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has been documenting the extent and effects of pollution in the Arctic since 1991, contributing to international agreements and policy decisions.
Air pollution, caused by the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, poses a significant risk to public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a human carcinogen, with numerous studies linking it to adverse health outcomes. Short-term exposure to high levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with reduced lung function, asthma, cardiac issues, and increased hospital admissions. Long-term exposure to air pollutants, particularly during pregnancy, is associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression, adverse birth outcomes, and potential impacts on neurological development in children.
The health effects of air pollution are dependent on the specific types and concentrations of pollutants inhaled. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and mutagenicity in cells throughout the body. Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, are particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution.
To address the public health challenges posed by air pollution, intervention strategies and effective communication of health risks are crucial. Researchers are collaborating with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to develop intervention strategies and improve public health communication. Additionally, community engagement and citizen science play essential roles in addressing environmental health concerns and developing community-level tactics to reduce exposure to air pollution.
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International agreements and conventions
Several international agreements deal with issues specific to the Arctic region. Here is an overview of some of the key international agreements and conventions pertaining to the Arctic:
International Agreement to Prevent Unregulated Fishing in the High Seas of the Central Arctic Ocean
This agreement aims to prevent commercial fishing in the central Arctic Ocean to preserve the region's fragile ecosystem and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic (MOSPA)
Signed in 2013 by all eight Arctic States, MOSPA aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Arctic countries to enhance readiness and response to oil spills. It includes commitments to provide mutual assistance, undertake monitoring activities, promote information exchange, and conduct joint reviews of coordinated response operations.
Minamata Convention on Mercury
The Minamata Convention focuses on reducing mercury pollution by banning new mercury mines and phasing out existing ones. It also includes control measures on air emissions and regulates the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. As of February 2016, only the U.S. among the Arctic States had ratified the Convention.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
CITES is an international agreement between governments to regulate the trade of wild animals and plants and ensure their survival. It accords varying degrees of protection to over 35,000 species and is applicable to all Arctic States.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
MARPOL is the primary international convention addressing the prevention of marine pollution caused by ships, whether from operational or accidental sources.
Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation
This agreement emphasizes the urgent need for increased action on climate change mitigation and adaptation, highlighting the importance of using the best available scientific knowledge for decision-making. It builds upon existing cooperation and aims to expand international Arctic scientific cooperation.
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Frequently asked questions
Pollution in the Arctic isn't a new phenomenon. In 1883, geologist Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld led an expedition to Greenland and observed a haze in the sky that hid the view over the ice. It was later determined that this haze was caused by metal-tinged particles from industrial processes, indicating that Arctic pollution had been occurring for some time.
The Arctic is a remote and sparsely populated region with little industry, but it faces significant pollution threats. The main sources of pollution in the Arctic include economic activities, industrial development, military activities, and the influx of pollutants from other regions.
The Arctic is contaminated by various pollutants, including heavy metals (such as mercury and lead), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT and PCBs, plastic debris, microplastics, and chemical emissions. These pollutants accumulate in the food chain, impacting both wildlife and indigenous communities.
Pollution in the Arctic has severe ecological consequences. For example, black carbon emissions contribute to atmospheric warming and accelerate the melting of ice and snow, leading to global warming. Additionally, plastic pollution infiltrates the Arctic food web, affecting many endemic species.
Several initiatives and organizations are dedicated to addressing Arctic pollution. The Arctic Council, founded in 1996, promotes cooperation among Arctic states and encourages sustainable development and protection against pollution. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) monitors pollution levels and provides scientific advice to Arctic governments. International agreements, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, have been signed to ban the production of certain pollutants. Local and international efforts are also focused on reducing plastic production and improving waste management practices to mitigate the impact on Arctic ecosystems.
