By Dr. Megan Schulze
Special Contributor to In Homeland Security
The Arctic region’s climate is constantly changing and has been impacting the presence of the perennial ice. The perennial ice in the Arctic is decreasing as determined through years of satellite data collection. Over the last 10 years, the perennial ice cover has declined due to a combination of weather changes with the increase in summer temperatures being the largest contributing factor. Not only are the summer temperatures impacting the declination of the perennial ice, the change in population demographics impact the climate change. The population shifts refer to fertility, health, morbidity and mortality. The declines in the perennial ice that occur in the summer are so significant that recovering such large losses will be difficult during the winter and spring seasons and the impacts caused by population shifts respectively.
Navigation
The predictive melting ice during the summer months of July through September allows for navigation that increases the risk of maritime security and economic concerns. Parties traveling in restricted or difficult areas increase the risk of maritime transportation especially outside of areas where the Search and Rescue (SAR) can successfully navigate and reach unapproved activity throughout the Arctic Ocean. The increase in maritime transportation raises economic concerns of increased pollutants from transportation systems and the now disrupted ecosystems. The international law and security throughout the Arctic, specifically related to the Northwest Passage, is under continuous review and revision to meet the changes in the Arctic Ocean and the demand for increased maritime transportation.
Mapping of the Arctic Ocean has been a difficult feat as well. Due to the constant change in perennial ice, there are inaccurate hydrographic maps. This creates problems for ships who are navigating the seas. Hydrographic mapping is conducted by remote sensing occurring from space with radar and optimal sensor instruments which is time consuming. Communication in the Arctic is problematic due to the lack of satellite communication capabilities throughout the region. There is a limit to the communication equipment in locations above 70 degrees north. There is only one known communication system that is effective from 64.8 degrees and is the global navigational satellite system (GLONASS) in Russia.
Restrictions
The restrictions in navigation previously left interests in the Arctic at a low level. Recently, due to the increases in climate changes in the Arctic Ocean, the interests have increased for more options in navigational routes and extraction of natural resources. The Northwest Passage can provide shorter distances to travel for both shipping and travel, specifically the routes between Europe and Asia and the East and West Coast of North America. Article 234 of the Law of Sea Convention addresses provisions the Arctic States may take to prevent, reduce, and control the sources of pollution. The UNCLOS Article provides the coastal states in the Arctic the authority to develop and implement regulations for any activities occurring in the ice-covered waters in efforts to prevent, reduce, and control the pollutants in the marine environment. Article 234, along with the UNCLOS, can assist in evaluating the increase in navigation which poses a threat to the environment that the Arctic region must address and could cause international controversy.
Conclusion
The constant climate changes occurring to the perennial ice in the Arctic Ocean has been addressed due to concerns in safety and security of the local population. Although the local population’s safety and security is a concern, there is also a world-wide issue that needs to be addressed as the Arctic Ocean is visited by other countries outside of the Arctic Region. Covering a few of the concerns for safety and security issues highlights the overall significance of addressing the current and future problems in the Arctic Region. The population shifts due to the perennial ice melting in the Arctic Region, navigators with outdated maps and limited communications, and restrictions Arctic States desire or emplace on coastal areas in efforts to protect the environment could cause international controversy. These concerns are all important when identifying major safety and security issues in the Arctic Region. Even after highlighting the Arctic Region’s safety and security issues, there are obstacles that the United States must face now from maritime security and homeland security perspectives.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Schulze recently graduated from Northcentral University with a Doctorate in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy. Dr. Schulze served 11 years in the United States Army providing her with an array of experience and expertise in homeland security from multiple perspectives.
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