Societal implications of a changing Arctic Ocean

Abstract

The Arctic Ocean is undergoing rapid change: sea ice is being lost, waters are warming, coastlines are eroding, species are moving into new areas, and more. This paper explores the many ways that a changing Arctic Ocean affects societies in the Arctic and around the world. In the Arctic, Indigenous Peoples are again seeing their food security threatened and cultural continuity in danger of disruption. Resource development is increasing as is interest in tourism and possibilities for trans-Arctic maritime trade, creating new opportunities and also new stresses. Beyond the Arctic, changes in sea ice affect mid-latitude weather, and Arctic economic opportunities may re-shape commodities and transportation markets. Rising interest in the Arctic is also raising geopolitical tensions about the region. What happens next depends in large part on the choices made within and beyond the Arctic concerning global climate change and industrial policies and Arctic ecosystems and cultures.

Benthic Organic Matter Transformation Drives pH and Carbonate Chemistry in Arctic Marine Sediments

“…Mechanistically understanding how these processes will critically tip the delicate balance of pH and carbonate dynamics in Arctic Ocean sediments is crucial. The Arctic Ocean is rapidly changing and will continue to do so (Huntington et al., 2022; Khosravi et al., 2022; März et al., 2022; Thomas et al., 2022; Tuerena et al., 2022). Here, we offer some systematic insights that can help in building a comprehensive picture for the entire Barents Sea shelf and foster further investigations to interrogate other biogeochemical drivers.…”

Benthic Organic Matter Transformation Drives pH and Carbonate Chemistry in Arctic Marine Sediments

“…Mechanistically understanding how these processes will critically tip the delicate balance of pH and carbonate dynamics in Arctic Ocean sediments is crucial. The Arctic Ocean is rapidly changing and will continue to do so (Huntington et al, 2022;Khosravi et al, 2022;März et al, 2022;Thomas et al, 2022;Tuerena et al, 2022). Here, we offer some systematic insights that can help in building a comprehensive picture for the entire Barents Sea shelf and foster further investigations to interrogate other biogeochemical drivers.…”

Climate Security and Its Implications for East Asia

“…Scientific research in the Arctic is also becoming increasingly important as a policy tool for exerting influence in the region [92]. Non-Arctic countries in East Asia, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, are using scientific research as an excuse to become more involved in the Arctic [93]. Additionally, China has proposed a series of infrastructure projects across northern Eurasia [94].…”