ACCEL (Arctic Climate Change Emerging Leaders) Fellowship

ASSINADO

Vote pour Sophie

The most critical Arctic issue facing the world currently is the unprecedented melting due to rising polar temperatures and a decrease in albedo or solar reflectivity. This melting is concerning for a multitude of reasons including the sea-level rise that will threaten coastal areas, the loss of permafrost and subsequent release of methane gas, the loss of habitat for plants and animals that live in this region, and rising international disputes over territory and trade routes. Weather patterns and their severity will change significantly as more water is added to our oceans.
To promote action on climate change, these issues need to be recognized as urgent and shown to be applicable to people’s daily lives. Many people in North America believe that some amount of climate change is occurring but do not realize the immediacy of the problem. Humans need to see the connection between their everyday choices and their current and future consequences. Instead of feeling guilty, individuals should be encouraged to appreciate the collective impact their actions have on the Earth. They should be empowered to make positive lifestyle choices such as recycling, using fewer resources, and being politically active in their communities. These messages could be easily promoted and shared by social media to facilitate this change in values. (I’m applying from North America).

I am applying from North America. Global climate change in the Arctic will not only create serious challenges for the natural environment, but for global policy-makers and business leaders as well. The most critical Arctic issue of the near future is the need for effective collective regional governance. The Arctic Council has been quite successful in maintaining stability in the region since its inception in 1996. However, because of global climate change and advances in technology, Arctic natural resources are becoming increasingly accessible. Through Chinese, Indian, and Continental European business interests and multi-national corporations, states not traditionally considered “Arctic” now have increasing stake in the region. In order to maintain regional security and prevent damaging unregulated exploitation of Arctic resources, we will need new frameworks to keep international cooperation in the Arctic as successful as it has been for nearly twenty years. To accomplish this, we must bring Arctic issues into the public consciousness. With programs such as ACCEL, we have an opportunity to use social media and technology to generate public interest in Arctic issues, and create an environment where it is in the interests of domestic political leaders to tackle these issues now, before it is too late.

The most critical Arctic Issue is most probably the current anthropogenic climate change. It is believed that that the main cause of this is the greenhouse gas (ghg) emission and mostly the CO2 emission. It sounds simple, but the problem to solve is not. It is not just a question to how to cut down ghg and/or CO2 emission, but do we want it?
While there are organisation’s like the IPCC try to convince policy makers for the change, governments of major countries seems to be more interested to keep the emission level high to melt at least the summer ice on the arctic. This would make new shipping/trading routes for certain countries and would also give a chance to mine the natural gases and oil beneath the Arctic Ice.
Cutting ghg emission would be the 1st option to slow climate change, however it is not feasible for many countries. Major countries should join up and invest into climate/geoengineering. It is feasible already, and could cure many aspects of the problem. The public should receive information on climate change not from media, but from the scientists themselves.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO~

Great job,Alex!!!!

Arctic sovereignty will be the most critical issue confronting the polar regions of the world within the 21st century. We are all aware of gradual acceptance of climate change, and CGM predicted increases in temperature and icepack lose. What needs to be recognized is the ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of Sea, which enables nations to submit scientific evidence of continental shelf extension and subsequent expansion of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With the lure of energy security and untapped mineral resources, time will tell if acceptance of UN decisions within the international community will be achieved. Arctic nations continue to flex their preparedness, with increases in military spending and operational effectiveness within this dynamic and harsh environment. Canada, the United States of America, Denmark, and Russia will need to cast aside cold war antics and work collaboratively on issues surrounding sustainable development, environmental protection, encroachments on sovereignty. The far north cannot become the proxy!

It would be useful if you posted a map showing where these 18 million people live. I believe this is not common knowledge.

The most critical issue facing the Arctic is not an environmental problem such as decreasing albedo, disappearing summer sea ice, or rising sea levels. The most critical issue facing the Arctic is despondence. Bombarded with news of rising temperature, changing weather patterns, and continued resource depletion, it’s easy to become pessimistic. Is it even worth a try? Bill McKibben writes that “if we stopped increasing CO2 now, the temperature would likely still rise another 0.8 degrees”, and there’s nothing to suggest we will stop now or even within the foreseeable future.

Even though some impact is irreversible we have to curb climate change’s worst effects. Many say, what is the point of trying? Population is increasing, living standards are going up, and it’s impossible to organize cross-border treaties in a world of countries with diverse interests. But a recent study by the Global Legislators Organization shows that 64 of the 66 countries that are responsible for nine-tenths of emissions have passed legislation to prevent climate change. Additionally, the Montreal Protocol of 1989 looms as the paradigm of international agreements. What is to say we cannot achieve something equally successful today such as a global carbon tax?

http://youtu.be/ZcvDu65ikWM

The most critical Arctic issue is climate change because it will cause the Arctic to be unrecognizably different, ecologically and economically.
The effects of global warming are more severe in the arctic than in other regions because of the weakening of the albedo effect (the ice reflects the sun’s radiation but when the ice melts due to global warming, less solar radiation is reflected back so the warming is intensified). This melting of ice increases the global sea level, threatening species that depend on ice. For example, polar bear numbers have decreased because the polar bear uses ice as a platform to hunt seals and cannot do so when sea-ice levels are low. This is concerning because the polar bear is often regarded as a beloved symbol of the arctic and a decrease in polar bear numbers will cause significant imbalances in the ecosystem. For instance, seal populations could increase dramatically causing fish populations to decline significantly.
I would convince arctic nations to act on this issue by conducting a study aiming to show that emission reductions are beneficial to their economies because of increased eco-tourism, more stable fishery stocks and less money spent on repairing damaged infrastructure.

Quick! Proceed with caution and calculation, folks! The healthy livelihood of future generations is contingent upon how we address climate change in the present. Please be advised! In order to achieve long-term global stabilization, we must embrace a more proactive approach in energy and vital resource conservation. Breaking news of the utmost importance! An inclusive culture of multinational cooperation will serve to be the true foundation of successful Arctic oversight for years to come. Do these unnecessarily inflated talking points sound familiar? Time and time again, we're told that the secret remedy/ultimate discovery/irrefutable piece of evidence has been uncovered to provide an eternal solution to the equation. Truth be told with self-righteousness put aside, we're all at the never-ending mercy of the fiercest opponent of all: TIME. An unstoppable rebel force that ticks and beats without hesitation, time contributes to the incessant melting of our polar caps. Inefficient use of time fails to bridge paralyzing gaps of multinational mistrust, therefore fueling the furnace of sovereign self-interest concerning trade routes, resource entitlement (i.e. fisheries, oil/gas, gold), and militaristic positioning. Time is what carries on while no established system of international law is the law of the region. Furthermore, to maneuver into a more favorable place whereby time is on our side, academicians, scholars, government officials, advocates, proponents, thinkers, and colleagues alike must substitute the midnight oil for the limelight to create meaningful initiatives to incrementally address the critical issues of the Arctic. Bearing this in mind, I respectfully urge the careful implementation of the following three concepts which will provide significant help to the challenges of the Arctic region. The first initiative revolves around a massive expansion of financial resources available for university Study Abroad to the region so that the young and aspiring may be given direct access to the invaluable opportunity of eating, thinking, and breathing Arctic awareness. Secondly, I'm offering enhanced encouragement to administrators and curriculum facilitators worldwide to mandate the completion of International Relations classes with a special emphasis on the Arctic at both the high school and university levels. Finally, I suggest that steps be taken by all Arctic nations to professionally organize the logistics of a regional marketing campaign for greater exposure to Arctic needs. This includes but is not limited to: clothing/merchandise, revolutionary toys for children, social media mechanisms, and last but not least, Arctic forums focused on building the value of time.

good luck!

good luck

My name is Tyler Sadutto. I am from North America, but am currently attending university in Europe. What I find to be the most pressing issue in the Arctic is environmental injustice, because global climate change goes beyond degradation of the environment and is negatively impacting the livelihoods of many indigenous Inuit populations. The increase in temperature, which leads to an increase in glacier melt, is destroying the habitat of many Arctic species through flooding, and is causing many terrestrial Arctic species to drown. Meanwhile, the increase in CO2 emissions has caused a 26% increase in oceanic acidity, since the CO2 combines with ocean water to form carbonic acid. Since the Inuit population hunts all of its own food, the reduction in species due to climate change is leading to starvation. The warming climate also alters global wind and oceanic circulation patterns, which leads to the bioaccumulation of Mercury and other toxins in the Arctic, which eventually biomagnify up the food chain until they are ingested by humans. Although the Inuit population is contributing very little to climate change, they are forced to face the brunt of climate change’s effects, and that is simply unjust. I believe others will act on this issue once they are aware of the problem itself. I believe many people can sympathize with the Inuits, and the only thing holding people back from wanting to act on this issue is a genuine lack of knowledge. It is so important to use social media to simply get the word out about the issue itself.

Great essay

The simple answer, and usually the most popular one, to the question of which Arctic issue is the greatest threat generally falls back on climate change. This fact is unfortunate, as there are several other considerably significant issues currently plaguing the Arctic just as devastating, or in conjunction with, the substantial transformation of our worldwide weather patterns. The concern I am referring to is the pollution of the Arctic environment.
I asked several of my educated and politically conscious cohorts the same question alluded to at the beginning of this response. Almost every one of their answers revolved around climate change and oil. Because of the extreme amount of attention on this particular issue, I believe it is important to recognize the massive problem of pollution so it is not forgotten. According to the website Oceansnorth.org, more and more ships are using the Northwest Passage and, therefore, dump, or lose, their copious amounts of sewage and chemicals. The damage done from this is multi-faceted, affecting animal life, accelerating the harm done by climate change, and debilitating the entire environmental wellbeing.
The many aspects of the Arctic environment that pollution affects is unnerving and requires much attention. This is why I believe that more focus has to be put on pollution in addition to combatting climate change. It is essential that the narratives we spin do not become one dimensional, leading to another issue becoming even more harmful. These other issues need to be brought to the forefront of the international community, stressing its importance. Addressing pollution, and other Arctic problems, cannot be done without an informed public and a conscious international community.

wow its so cool

ASSINADO

This thoughtful, intelligent young woman would be an asset to your program!

One of the last intact ecosystems, the Arctic plays a vital role in our biosphere’s health. Unfortunately, this region is burdened with numerous threats, the greatest of which is climate change. The Arctic is experiencing accelerated warming, resulting in receding glaciers, greenhouse gases, rises in sea level, and weather pattern changes. The hazards go beyond the Arctic, impacting all societies. Climate change, and consequently the issues it manifests, will drastically worsen if disregarded. At this turning point, it is crucial to take action. As an ACCEL Fellow, I will exhibit how we all have stakes. Climate change will have huge ramifications on industry, like natural resource availability, and it is pertinent to vocalize impact projections to recruit businesses against climate change. In addition, it is necessary to promote awareness among our youth, who will suffer most if climate change is unresolved. By promoting climate change education in schools and advertising programs directed at youth, we will be able to bring this generation to the table. Bringing together groups such as these across the world, climate change activists can mobilize as a united front. Consequently, there will be robust support for international climate change agreements and the Arctic itself.

YOU are the greatest issue facing the Arctic. Wait – hear me out! This is not a rant about how humans are causing climate change and destroying the world. You are the greatest issue facing the Arctic, because you probably don’t know enough to care. Arctic climate change affects more than just polar bears, so here’s some information to raise your awareness:

Fact #1: Permafrost, or permanently frozen groundwater, is melting at higher rates, and plant materials within this ice release methane when they thaw and decompose. Since methane is more detrimental than CO2, a surplus makes for one hot earth.

Fact #2: When the ice melts from Arctic land, global powers will be vying for the revealed natural resources that promise economic gain. Without sustainable harvesting of these materials, we could end up exacerbating climate change.

Fact #3: Arctic communities are being tragically affected by climate change, because the native populations rely on the cycles of ice for their livelihood. Changing freezing patterns have caused Alaskan coastline erosion, and whole villages are being swallowed into the sea. People like you are suffering.

So recycle. Plant trees. Shorten your shower. Learn more; care more. You are the greatest issue and the greatest opportunity. Change.


(I am applying from North America.)

A BORN LEADER

I am an international relations student and I am aware of the geopolitical problems about the Artic, it geostrategic importance to countries like USA, Russia or even China.
The Artic is now one of the areas most suffering with the global warming and the presence of oil will not help to protect it from melting.
There are interests in continuing to use the Artic as a geoestrategic point, with nuclear weapons strategically placed. The importance of Artic for the world's cooldown is well known as also the impediments for the creation of a region protected from the human action. This protection would probably need a great change in human consumption but maybe is necessary.
USA and Russia still want to protect their territory from nuclear bombings, ICBM's can rapidly achieve them through the Artic, as well as Canada that as is territory at risk and China who doesn't want to be left from this game. The melting of the Artic will permit the navigation through it as well the over flying and will give it a more geopolitical interest from the actual one.
Greenland independence may alter this as they are trying reinforce their national sentimente, as well as they autonomy.
We shuldn't forget that the creation of a protect area in Artic would necessar alter the power equilibrium in that region, but that is an obligatory path for the protection of human live on Earth as we know it.

Multilateral Governance in the Arctic: could it really work?

The most critical Arctic issues at hand are its undefined borders and the competing claims of ownership between nations. The primary countries claiming rights are the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark, and Norway. These issues regarding the Arctic’s undefined borders are capable of prompting both economic and security conflicts.
The international trade market flows most efficiently when property rights are clearly defined. As the Arctic region houses about 22% of the earth’s remaining supplies of oil and gas, property rights should be defined preemptively to avoid conflict over which states own the resources extracted from the land. While oil and gas currently remain inaccessible under Arctic ice and regulations set by the Arctic Council, global warming and the resulting easier access to the area’s resources will prompt a race to these resources.
The Arctic’s undefined borders are also causing states to build up their militaries. A report released by the Russian National Security Council revealed plans to form a specialized military force responsible for protecting Russian interests in the Arctic. Canada plans to conduct high-profile military exercises and build a military base on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island. The US Navy released an updated Arctic Roadmap two months ago detailing how ice coverage will change in the Arctic and its impacts on Navy operations. Both Denmark and Russia are laying claim to the North Pole via the Lomonosov Ridge. The ice has not melted yet, but the disputes have already begun to heat up.
Rising global temperatures and melting Arctic ice are not slowing down anytime soon. The Arctic Council must deal with these border disputes before the ice melts, and the real race to the resources begins.

Applying for the position in Washington D.C.

Viel Erfolg

Boa sorte e sucesso!!!

The Arctic is experiencing a profound transformation which has impacts on the vicinity and the globe. Since 1980 warming in the Arctic has doubled the global average. Sea level rise is the most Significant challenge in the Arctic allowing greater human access to the region; with the potential for increased maritime transport, exploitation of natural resources such as oil and gas, minerals, fisheries and increased tourism. While providing some new economic opportunities for the region, it imposes a tremendous negative impact on biodiversity and essential habitat; again it will have significant environmental and health consequences for the entire world therefore collaborative international effort is needed to compromise different policy priorities among the Arctic nations (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and USA). Recently the United States has started to develop its own strategy toward addressing its resources and claims toward the region while the Arctic Council still remains the authoritative international body on Arctic. Still much work remains on agreements on environmental protection, which should be a priority and common interest by the Arctic nations and global community. I believe it is possible to make a strong case on global awareness and influencing authorities via twitter and facebook blogs.

Most critical Arctic issue is to refocus attention from infrastructure to socio-ecological challenges. Addressing infrastructure issues is a palliative measure while addressing socio-ecological challenges will drive more robust and dynamic response to the environmental changes in this vulnerable region.
Immersive awareness-raising is crucial to this end. Public and private sector decision-makers need to be informed about the issues and needs of local socio-ecosystems. Local populations need to learn about the relevant policy and economic developments.
Socio-ecological focus requires empowering local peoples through information, financial, and institutional support. Resource abundance is to no avail without that.
Six out of eight Arctic States - all part of the Arctic Council, - explore and extract mineral resources in their respective Arctic territories. While representatives of extracting industries recognize climate change and its anthropogenic causes, 90% of their investments goes into deposits and infrastructure development, which needs to be addressed. This would set a precedent for when the ban on the development of Antarctic is reviewed in 2048.
Convincing people about prevalence of addressing socio-ecological challenges over narrow focus on the infrastructure challenges and adaptation is feasible using modern technologies. Once the awareness is widely spread, things will change because people’s voice nowadays matters.

The UNCLOS and the rights of sovereignty of the coastal states have guided and will guide the future development of the Arctic region. Nevertheless, the opening of navigation in the Northern Sea Route and the prospect of commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean call for improved legal regulation. The potential of this region and its fragile ecosystem must be preserved. To address these challenges what the Arctic needs is a unitary strategy of international cooperation.

The most critical Arctic issue is to successfully combine a strong leadership of the Arctic Council with enhanced international cooperation.

The Kiruna Declaration underlined the renewed commitment of the Arctic states to a strong leadership of the Council. At the same time, the Arctic powers are realising that no project or measure can be implemented by one “lonely” power. We are dealing with resources and risks that by their own nature do not respect national borders.

That is why it is of the outmost importance that all the stakeholders understand how they can cooperate with each other and contribute to a sustainable future for the Arctic through research, infrastructures, human capital, and investments. I believe that transparent and predictable rules, clarity, and willingness to cooperate are the priorities to accomplish each state’s national interests as well as common good.

I am a EU student and junior researcher currently based in Moscow. Check out my blog at Russian Council and find out more (http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/arctic-cooperation/). Follow @EleonorMilazzo on Twitter for daily insights.