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This paper analyzes the importance of the melting of the Arctic ice for Mexico. The research examines the impacts of this process, the Mexican government’s environmental policies, citizen’s perception and the media’s approach to climate change and the melting of the Arctic ice. To obtain the results, an exploratory analysis was carried out, from which it was concluded that, despite the importance of the Arctic melting in the current climate crisis affecting all countries, and specifically Mexico, within the political agendas of the nation, the citizenry and the mass media, both climate change and the Arctic melting are secondary issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the Arctic region and its climate change. It is the principal driver of changes in the Arctic, causing disruptions to services and benefits, and greater instability. The geopolitical aspect of the Arctic are discusses by the panelists, who emphasize the importance of cooperation and rules that apply to operations in the Arctic.

The article offers information related to Climate Change's Profound Disruption of the Arctic, which will focus on the changing geography of the Arctic, Arctic policy, and the impacts and implications of a changing climate in the Arctic. Michael Sfraga, the founding director of the Polar Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Institute discussing about the Arctic policy.

Climate change has turned the Arctic simultaneously into an environmentally highly fragile space and a region offering manifold economic opportunities. The notion of 'Arctic Paradox' aptly captures the trade-off between environmental protection needs and economic prospects. We investigate how the European Union has positioned itself regarding this Paradox by asking to what extent its Arctic policy discourse integrates environmental concerns. Analysis involving the main strategies of EU institutions, and the EU's Arctic and major non-Arctic members finds three co-existing coalitions with differing visions of environmental policy integration in the Arctic. The aggregate EU discourse on the Arctic is currently 'green by omission', that is, by explicitly avoiding a clear stance on the trade-off embodied in the 'Arctic Paradox'. We attempt to explain this, and conclude by discussing the likelihood of the EU developing a genuinely environment-oriented Arctic policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited knowledge on institutional factors constraining and enabling climate change adaptation in Arctic regions, or the overall readiness of governing bodies and communities to develop, implement, and promote adaptation. This paper examines the preparedness of different levels of government to adapt in the Canadian Arctic territory of Nunavut, drawing upon semi-structured interviews with government personnel and organizations involved in adaptation. In the Government of Nunavut, there have been notable developments around adaptation planning and examples of adaptation champions, but readiness for adaptation is challenged by a number of factors including the existence of pressing socio-economic problems, and institutional and governmental barriers. Federally, there is evidence of high-level leadership on adaptation, the creation of adaptation programs, and allocation of funds for adaptation, although the focus has been mostly on researching adaptation options as opposed to supporting actual actions or policy change. The 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and increasing emphasis on climate change federally and in the Government of Nunavut, offer opportunities for advancing adaptation, but concrete steps are needed to ensure readiness is enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seas and oceans are confronted with a plethora of environmental problems, caused by land-based activities (agriculture, industries, and ports) and by maritime activities (such as shipping, fishing, oil and gas drilling, tourism, and navigational dredging). Environmental problems at sea challenge the efficacy of state sovereignty. Who is responsible, accountable, and regulates environmental and spatial problems at the level of regional seas, and what is the role of states in these processes of governance? In the regional seas and on the high seas, the environmental state is challenged by two developments: states become players at different levels, and states are confronted with the activities of big market players where they have no or little jurisdiction. The different forms of the environmental state in Europe’s regional seas and in the Arctic Ocean are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Education and learning possess powerful potential in affecting future resilience and sustainable states. Here, I focus on unpacking and examining the connections and feedbacks between social-environmental systems (SESs), resilience, and compulsory education. SESs have been problematized as frequently having a poor fit between environmental change and policy solutions. The last few decades have witnessed global recognition of climate change in the Arctic. This has led to discussion and debate over the role of schools in addressing local knowledge, environmental changes, and community priorities. In Alaska, USA, and other Arctic regions, the role of public schools in improving this fit has been largely overlooked. I hypothesize that, as extensions of governments, public schools in the North American Arctic and other locations offer an opportunity to create better linkages between societies and environments through governance. Secondarily, at the individual level, education is a vital component of resilience, but such education must embrace multiple perspectives in its curriculum to honor and access the diversity offered by local and traditional ecological knowledge and Western methods. Lastly, at the societal scale, schools are an untapped resource with which to meet the challenge of bolstering capacity for adaptation in a time of rapid transformation for Arctic societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2nd NJF Seminar on Reindeer Husbandry Research was held at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland from 19 to 21 October 2014. The seminar was organized under the framework of Reindeer Husbandry Research Section of NJF (Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists), established in 2012. Over 100 Nordic and international delegates including researchers, managers, educators, students and reindeer herders participated in the seminar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the High Arctic, late summer rainfall events have the potential to increase discharge and transport substantial amounts of sediment. Past studies have not considered the role of antecedent soil moisture with respect to rainfall-runoff response, particularly in the context of changing climate. We investigate these processes through multiple major rainfall events and the associated discharge and suspended sediment response, measured in a small watershed at Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut. Fluvial and sedimentological responses to two major rainfall events on 9 Jul. and 23 Jul., 2012, totaling 35.4 and 10.6 mm, respectively, resulted in negligible responses in discharge and suspended sediment mobilization. The magnitude and intensity of these events were not unusual in this region, but the lack of response was substantial when compared with past events of similar magnitudes. The two-week antecedent period leading up to the 9 Jul. rainfall was characterized by exceptional temperatures and high solar radiation, decreasing soil moisture and increasing infiltration potential, all of which substantially diminished the runoff and resultant suspended sediment transport. These results demonstrate that antecedent catchment conditions may substantially attenuate suspended sediment transport responses to multiple major rainfall events and decrease runoff ratios and characterization of these conditions is necessary to accurately model catchment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the emergence of a new ocean uncovered by melting ice surrounding the Arctic environment in 2014. Topics discussed include the development by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of rules in global waters, the establishment by IMO of a Polar Code, and oil and gas activities as domestic concerns. Also mentioned are commitment to cultural and environmental protection, limitations on commercial fishery, and the conservation of the ocean's environmental well-being.

Arctic energy development has massive potential to help meet world energy needs and promote sustainable Arctic development. At the same time, the Arctic is largely inhabited by Indigenous peoples and has special environmental vulnerabilities that can impact them. Norms of consultation with Indigenous peoples are, thus, particularly important in Arctic contexts. This Article examines this very much under-studied issue. It seeks to make an innovative contribution to understanding best practices on consultation appropriate to Arctic-specific contexts, considering evolving national and international law norms of consultation. Part II of this Article carries out a comparison of existing implementations of international norms of consultation in countries across the Arctic region. Part III distils best practices on consultation from both evolving national and international law in the Arctic states, as well as in other states whose practices can shed light. Part IV examines unique Arctic circumstances and develops a set of categories for Arctic-specific consideration of consultation. Part V ties together the best practices and impact categories of Part IV, and comments on the existing state practices discussed in Part II, signaling directions in which different states might consider shifting so as to best respect consultation norms. The underlying aim of this Article is to offer practical recommendations that facilitate Arctic energy development in responsible ways, thereby furthering its long-term acceptability and potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the application of international law, particularly the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, to Arctic regions and international relations between countries who have territory in the Arctic regions. The growth of bilateral and multilateral agreements for environmental protection of the Arctic Ocean and its marine biodiversity is examined. The impact of those agreements on the concept of freedom of the seasons is discussed.

Coralline algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) that form rhodoliths are important ecosystem engineers and carbonate producers in many polar coastal habitats. This study deals with rhodolith communities from Floskjeret (78°18′N), Krossfjorden (79°08′N), and Mosselbukta (79°53′N), off Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Strong seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, light regime, sea-ice coverage, and turbidity characterize these localities. The coralline algal flora consists of Lithothamnion glaciale and Phymatolithon tenue. Well-developed rhodoliths were recorded between 27 and 47 m water depth, while coralline algal encrustations on lithoclastic cobbles were detected down to 77 m water depth. At all sites, ambient waters were saturated with respect to both aragonite and calcite, and the rhodolith beds were located predominately at dysphotic water depths. The rhodolith-associated macrobenthic fauna included grazing organisms such as chitons and echinoids. With decreasing water depth, the rhodolith pavements were regularly overgrown by non-calcareous Polysiphonia-like red algae. The corallines are thriving and are highly specialized in their adaptations to the physical environment as well as in their interaction with the associated benthic fauna, which is similar to other polar rhodolith communities. The marine environment of Spitsbergen is already affected by a climate-driven ecological regime shift and will lead to an increased borealization in the near future, with presently unpredictable consequences for coralline red algal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK Government has committed itself to releasing a 'policy framework' for the Arctic in 2013. This decision was taken in response to the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry undertaken by the Environmental Audit Committee in 2012. The timing is significant, coming amid broader debates about whether the UK needs an Arctic Strategy. The Government insists that a 'policy framework' is not the same as a 'strategy', yet the decision to prepare such a document still signals a departure from the status quo. This commentary considers what the Government means by a 'policy framework', how this differs from a 'strategy', and why such a document is needed now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic is becoming increasingly important in terms of energy, security and climate issues on a global scale. Following the coastal states of the Arctic Ocean, which have presented Arctic strategies in recent years, the European Union has started developing an Arctic policy. While more or less consistent guiding principles have been established via several papers and communications, these have been backed up with concrete instructions and practical action to a diverging and an overall rather low degree. As a non-coastal state, the European Union will have to rely on its membership in relevant international and regional organisations, instruments such as the Northern Dimension and cooperation with member and partner states, also in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of ambition of the public and policy makers to protect the climate is currently far too low to slow the accelerating pace of climate impacts. Ambition can be strengthened using strategies that disaggregate the overall climate problem into manageable pieces, borrow existing laws and institutions to take fast action following a 'start and strengthen' approach. This is illustrated by the strategy to phase down the production and consumption of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol. Such an approach could cut the rate of global warming in half for the next several decades, and even more in the Arctic and other climate vulnerable regions. This can provide fast success and build the sense of urgent optimism needed to raise ambition to do more to address carbon dioxide emissions - the single largest contributor to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses social, ecological, and economic factors contributing to the transition of Arctic environments into unknown futures. The author argues that policies concerning the future of the Arctic region can no longer be determined in relation to short-term political and economic interests, adding that economic instability and the challenges of limiting the impacts of climate change necessitate change. Topics include the changes in the Arctic region as a result of distant human activity, the ineffectiveness of scientific data in influencing personal and policy decisions, and how the world may have to deal with when shaping the Arctic's future history.

A report is presented from a May 17, 2012 conference for doctoral candidates in Munich, Germany on the history of technology. Topics of discussion included the use of the Arctic regions and Antarctica by the U.S. and the Soviet Union as technological testing grounds during the Cold War, the history of East German environmental policies, and cultural transmission of technology in 19th-century Württemberg, Germany.

Because of significant environmental changes underway in the Arctic region, institutional change for Northwest Passage management is receiving increased attention. Due to the potential environmental and security impacts of regularized ship transits through the Northwest Passage, a number of informed observers have discussed the need for considering alternative means of governing the waterway. This article assesses four approaches to governing the use of the Northwest Passage, including the current institutional arrangement. Following an overview of the environmental change underway in the Arctic region and its impacts on the Northwest Passage, the controversy surrounding the international legal status of the waterway and the possibility that it may in future become a commercial resource are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of three alternative institutional models of resource governance recommended for application in the Northwest Passage case are presented, along with those surrounding the Arctic Cooperation Agreement, the current institution in use. The analysis suggests maintenance of the status quo institution appears to be the most likely outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on environmental issues and policies in Canada from the perspective that the U.S. can learn from the Canadian model. Discussion topics include an overlap of resources and a shared border with similar landscapes between the two countries, the development of natural resources such as oil sands in the western regions of both nations, and a coordination of access to fisheries and sustainability of fish stock in shared coastal waters. Canada's position on climate change and the commercial development of a Northwest Passage across the Arctic region are noted.

Information on the State of the Arctic (SoA) Conference held in spring of 2010 is presented. Topics include the invasions by non-indigenous species introduced, importance of identifying important ecological areas, and rapid declines in arctic sea ice cover. Moreover, the conference explored the role of anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing and natural variability in driving changes that affect Arctic marine and terrestrial environments.

The article explores the strategies carried out by the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) and Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) in the development of protected areas in the Arctic. It examines the significant role played by CAFF's Circumpolar Protected Area Network (CPAN) project in the establishment of policies which focuses on environmental protection to be adopted by states in the region. It also discusses the challenges encountered by the Arctic Council in protecting terrestrial and marine areas.

This article discusses the legal regime present in the Arctic regions to address socio-economic and environmental concerns. According to the author, The Arctic Council which includes representatives of indigenous organization developed from the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy as a regional forum to address sustainable development issues. It is a voluntary body consisting of the eight Arctic States with limited power to make non-binding decisions. The author reviews the threats and challenges facing the Arctic and discusses the consequences of stakeholder positions. He suggests options for possible improvements in the legal regime.

The article offers a look at the changing meaning and relevance of Arctic navigation. According to the author, three fundamental issues have been identified with regard to the emergent geopolitics of Arctic navigation, namely, international interests in Arctic mineral resources, changing sea-ice patterns in response to climate change and the environmental security of Arctic peoples.

The article reflects on the industry perspectives on barriers, hurdles, and irritants preventing development of frontier energy in Canada's Arctic Islands. The Canadian Arctic Islands and intervening channels are rich in hydrocarbon resources. Interviews with exploration and development managers representing six medium-to-large domestic and multinational energy companies operating on the Arctic frontiers of North America show that the principal barriers to development of proven gas reserves are social and environmental issues and a hostile regulatory regime.

Unprecedented global changes caused by human actions challenge society's ability to sustain the desirable features of our planet. This requires proactive management of change to foster both resilience (sustaining those attributes that are important to society in the face of change) and adaptation (developing new socioecological configurations that function effectively under new conditions). The Arctic may be one of the last remaining opportunities to plan for change in a spatially extensive region where many of the ancestral ecological and social processes and feedbacks are still intact. If the feasibility of this strategy can be demonstrated in the Arctic, our improved understanding of the dynamics of change can be applied to regions with greater human modification. Conditions may now be ideal to implement policies to manage Arctic change because recent studies provide the essential scientific understanding, appropriate international institutions are in place, and Arctic nations have the wealth to institute necessary changes, if they choose to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the logical framework analysis (LFA) to improve health communication for natural resource development in Canada's Northern Territories. Topics discussed includes work of Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) for the accomodation of northern aboriginal communities and use of LFA in designing and evaluating international development and global health interventions throughout the world.

Abstracts for the articles in this issue of the journal are presented, which consider such topics as the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) of the European Union (EU), the European Sovereign Debt Crisis, and the international environmental policy of the EU regarding the Arctic Ocean.

The article discusses the impact of global warming on arctic exploration and natural resource extraction, particularly focusing on the rate at which the polar ice caps are melting. It addresses efforts to decrease the rate of melting through diplomacy and international cooperation, noting the importance of environmental action from the U.S. government. Other topics explored include the need to develop a national environmental plan to deal with falling ice levels, potential infrastructure developments in the arctic, and increased interest in polar tourism.

The article examines environmental policies that are being sought to bolster international cooperation that will mitigate ways in which global environmental change affects the Arctic Ocean. The prospect of such change has promoted interest in energy production, fishing, and tourism. While the Arctic coastal states are asserting their sovereignty and jurisdiction in the region, non-Arctic states are also seeking an enhanced role in the Arctic Council. Challenges that may face the governance of the Arctic Ocean are discussed, including aspects of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Canadian Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

Arctic Region• Agreement on Monitoring 27EC• Recent Developments 27 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The status of the iconic Arctic predator is being used in the US as a means of testing wider environmental policies. Nigel Williams reports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]