About: Arctic
Thinning of the Arctic ‘unprecedented for at least 1,000 years’ – IPCC report
The Arctic has lost around 12.8% of its surface area every decade between 1979 and 2018, which is "likely unprecedented for at least 1,000 years" and could shrink even more if no action is taken, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.
Trump cancels Denmark visit after PM refuses to sell Greenland to US
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (20 August) called off a visit to Denmark scheduled for early September after the country’s prime minister rebuffed his idea of purchasing Greenland.
Pompeo: Russia is ‘aggressive’ in Arctic, China’s work there also needs watching
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday (6 May) that Russia is behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China’s actions there had to be watched closely as well, amid growing divisions in the polar region over global warming and access to minerals.
Pentagon warns on risk of Chinese submarines in Arctic
Deepening Chinese activities in the Arctic region could pave the way for a strengthened military presence, including the deployment of submarines to act as deterrents against nuclear attack, the Pentagon said in a report released on Thursday (2 May).
Arctic black carbon work hampered by US and Russia, says Finland
The Arctic region’s co-operation in the battle against global warming by reducing black carbon emissions is being hampered by the United States and Russia, the Finnish foreign ministry said on Wednesday (20 March).
Cruise ships chief: ‘The goal is zero impact, just fun’
More gigantic cruise ships will take to the high seas in the coming years, according to industry CEO Michael Thamm. In an interview with EURACTIV, he revealed how cruising intends to embrace low-carbon technologies in an effort to reduce its environmental impact and keep its customers satisfied.
New treaty bans commercial fishing in the Arctic for 16 years
The European Union and nine other countries, including the US and Russia, approved an international agreement on Thursday (14 February) that will prohibit commercial vessels from fishing in the Arctic in order to preserve the region's fragile ecosystem.
Trans-Europe Express – Songs about land and ice
Northern Europe's indigenous Arctic people battle to maintain traditions as their culture and age-old way of life is increasingly threatened by climate change and globalisation.
Antibiotic resistance, a threat crossing borders
The rapid spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria via birds could compromise the effectiveness of many anti-infective drugs. EURACTIV France’s media partner, the Journal de l’environnement reports.
Arctic nations bet on ‘blue economy’ to reconcile climate, development goals
From global warming to over- and illegal fishing, the ocean on which Arctic communities are so heavily dependent is under threat like never before, delegates heard at the Arctic conference in Tromsø, Norway.
Snow crab case to decide who has the right to explore for Arctic oil
Norway’s Supreme Court will on Tuesday (15 January) hear arguments on whether EU ships can fish for snow crab off Arctic islands north of Norway without permission from Oslo, a case that could decide who has the right to explore for oil in the region.
Shipping giant announces trial run of Arctic sea route
Danish shipping company Maersk will this week send for the first time one of its ships along the Northern Sea Route, an Arctic shipping lane along Russia’s northern coastline that is set to become more important as climate change makes it more viable.
Greece seeks help from EU allies to tackle raging fires
Greece has appealed for help from other countries to help tackle a spate of fires which were raging uncontrolled in the country on Monday (23 July), its fire brigade said.
Faria MEP: Offshore Safety Directive is ripe for reform
The Portuguese lawmaker behind the most recent European Parliament resolution on the safety of offshore drilling, told EURACTIV why he opposes moves to open up oil and gas fields in European waters, not least in his home country Portugal.
China in Greenland: A call for deeper EU political engagement
Without a deeper political agenda, the EU might rapidly lose ground in Greenland to the benefit of China, write André Gattolin and Damien Degeorges.
Extreme weather events on the rise, European scientists warn
Extreme weather events are on the rise due to man-made climate change, according to a consensus report by Europe's scientific academies, which called for urgent action to make sure infrastructure and society itself is ready to adapt to the new climate.
UN Arctic chief: ‘Climate change isn’t linear – it’s accelerating’
Climate change is most evident in the Polar Regions and its impact will serve as a litmus test for what happens to the rest of the planet, the UN’s chief Arctic adviser told EURACTIV in an interview.
The Arctic: Rebooting the European software
After failing again to become a permanent observer to the Arctic Council, the European Union needs to rethink itself when it comes to the Arctic, write André Gattolin and Damien Degeorges.
The omissions of the EU’s new Arctic policy
Nations both close and distant to the Arctic Circle are increasingly becoming engaged in the North, as the European Union’s new policy for the Arctic shows. The plan is a step forward, but it speaks volumes by what it leaves out, writes Antonia Sohns.
EU wants to boost Arctic ties with Russia despite Ukraine tensions
The EU is ready to step up cooperation with Russia on the future of the Arctic despite tensions between Brussels and Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine, foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Wednesday (27 April).
Norwegian energy minister: We will drill until gas reserves run out
Norway will be on its last third of natural gas reserves by 2035, much of it in the Arctic, and almost all of it destined for the EU market, the country’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy told EURACTIV in an interview. Tord Lien said production would stop once the reserves were gone.
Killing three birds with one stone in the Arctic
The use of heavy fuel oil by shipping in the Arctic could have disastrous consequences. Banning this fuel would protect the region’s rich wildlife, improve human health and benefit the climate, writes Sue Libenson.
Norway demands answers from Moscow over Arctic migrant route
An increasingly popular route for migrants to cross Russia and into Norway has Oslo angered and worried as winter approaches, while commentators suspect Moscow is deliberately creating problems for its neighbour.