When four Indian climate scientists arrived in Oslo in December 2023 to prepare for India’s inaugural winter expedition to the Arctic, they embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty. Their destination, the Himadri research station in the International Arctic Research Base at Svalbard, Norway, had previously only hosted missions during the summer months. Now, facing the chilling embrace of temperatures plummeting as low as -15 degrees Celsius, the researchers had to acclimate themselves to the harsh conditions before beginning their expedition.
But the challenges didn’t end with the cold. The prospect of polar nights loomed ahead, presenting a daunting obstacle for the Indian team. In this period, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for several weeks, enveloping the region in darkness. For researchers accustomed to the rhythms of day and night, this was an entirely new and potentially unsettling experience.
Significance of the Arctic Region
Economic Significance:
- Rich deposits of coal, gypsum, diamonds, zinc, lead, placer gold, and quartz are present in the Arctic region.
- Greenland holds about a quarter of the world’s rare earth reserves.
- The Arctic harbors substantial unexplored hydrocarbon resources, including 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas.
- India, being the 3rd largest energy-consuming country and oil importer, sees potential in accessing these resources due to increasing ice melt.
Geographical Significance:
- The Arctic plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation, influencing the movement of cold and warm water across the planet.
- Arctic sea ice acts as a reflective surface, helping regulate Earth’s temperature by bouncing some of the sun’s rays back into space.
Geopolitical Significance:
- Melting Arctic ice has heightened geopolitical tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era.
- China sees the Arctic as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is investing in infrastructure like nuclear icebreakers.
- India is also strategically engaging with Arctic states to counterbalance China’s influence.
Environmental Significance:
- The Arctic’s melting provides insights into glacial melt in distant regions like the Himalayas, often termed the ‘third pole’ due to its vast freshwater reserves.
- Indian scientists are actively involved in Arctic research, evident from India’s scientific expedition in 2007 and the establishment of the Himadri research base in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
India’s Growing Interest in the Arctic Region
Climatic Occurrences Similar to the Arctic Sea Region:
- India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research initially didn’t prioritize Arctic missions.
- Changed policy due to scientific data showing accelerated Arctic warming.
- Link between Arctic ice melt and climatic disruptions in India spurred action.
Prospecting Trade Routes:
- India eyes Arctic Sea routes, notably the Northern Sea Route, for trade.
- Potential to cut shipping costs, time, fuel, and enhance security.
Emerging Geopolitical Threats:
- Concerns arise from China’s increasing Arctic investments.
- Russia’s granting of expanded Northern Sea Route access to China adds to India’s apprehensions.
- Tensions escalate due to Russia-Ukraine conflict and suspension of regional cooperative forums.
Consequences for the Himalayas and Indian Monsoon:
- India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to the 1920s with the Svalbard Treaty.
- Initiated research missions in 2007, establishing Arctic research base in 2008.
- Gained ‘observer’ status in the Arctic Council in 2013.
- Commissioned multi-sensor moored observatory in Svalbard in 2014 and atmospheric laboratory in 2016.
- Research focuses on studying Arctic ice systems, glaciers, and their impact on Himalayas and Indian monsoon.
Challenges Facing the Arctic Region
Policy Divide in India:
- Indian engagement in the Arctic divides the country’s academic and policy communities.
- Opinions vary on the impact of climate change in the Arctic on India’s economy.
- Concerns revolve around mining for fossil fuels and the lack of a clear economic strategy from India.
Arctic Amplification:
- The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the world.
- Thawing permafrost releases carbon and methane, major greenhouse gases amplifying global warming.
- Accelerated ice melting contributes to rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Rising Sea Level Concern:
- Melting Arctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, impacting coastal erosion and storm surge.
- India’s extensive coastline faces increased risk from sea level rise.
- Sea levels along the Indian coast are rising faster than the global average.
Emerging Race Course:
- Opening Arctic shipping routes fuel a race for resource extraction.
- Geopolitical powers like the US, China, and Russia vie for influence in the region.
- Competition intensifies over access to oil, gas, and mineral resources.
Threat to Biodiversity:
- Warming temperatures threaten Arctic animal life, including polar bears, due to shrinking sea ice.
- Changes in fish species distribution disrupt the Arctic food web.
- Coastal storms and wildfires damage tundra ecosystems, impacting biodiversity.
Steps to Address Arctic Region Challenges
Collaboration with Norway:
- India and Norway have a history of collaboration in studying the Arctic and Antarctic since the late 1980s.
- Both nations need to accelerate efforts due to the increasing impact of climate change on the Arctic and its implications for South Asia.
Alignment with Arctic Countries:
- India’s policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic nations in green energy and clean industries to enhance its responsible stakeholder image.
- Collaborations with Denmark and Finland have focused on waste management, pollution control, renewable energy, and green technology.
Sustainable Resource Extraction:
- India must pursue sustainable methods for seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic.
- A partnership with Norway could facilitate Indian participation in the Arctic Council’s working groups.
Aligning with Arctic Council Objectives:
- Collaboration with Nordic countries may prioritize scientific research and environmental protection, aligning with India’s Arctic Policy pillars.
- India could benefit from the Arctic Council’s expertise in designing a sustainable policy balancing scientific and economic interests.
Establishment of Nodal Body:
- There’s a need for a dedicated body to oversee Arctic Research and Development and coordinate India’s Arctic-related activities.
- Currently, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the Ministry of External Affairs handle Arctic affairs.
Beyond Scientific Approach:
- India should expand its focus beyond scientific research to understand Arctic demography and governance.
- It should advocate for the rights of Arctic tribes and raise their issues in global forums.
Adopting a Global Ocean Treaty:
- Global ocean governance, especially in polar regions, requires attention and progress towards a collaborative global ocean treaty.
- Special consideration should be given to addressing challenges like sea-level rise associated with the Arctic.
Conclusion
The Arctic, a remarkable and delicate ecosystem, stands as a vital regulator of our planet’s climate. Yet, it confronts unparalleled challenges brought on by climate change. Rapid ice melt and soaring temperatures threaten its very existence, impacting not only its diverse wildlife and indigenous peoples but also global climate systems.
To safeguard this precious environment for generations to come, international collaboration and sustainable measures are imperative. By working together and adopting responsible practices, we can secure the future of the Arctic and preserve its invaluable role in maintaining Earth’s equilibrium.