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Topics

Session I – Realizing international cooperation in the Arctic

Effective international cooperation is important for addressing transnational challenges such as climate change and environmental issues. However, these times are challenging for international cooperation globally. Even though the Arctic, like other regions, is affected by this, the story of cross-border cooperation in the Arctic is special – and encompasses not only the Arctic states but also the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Is this cooperation something that could be learned from and applied elsewhere or is it only applicable to the Arctic? How can Nordic-Chinese research cooperation contribute to an informed discussion on such issues?

• What are the prospects for China-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic and are there any approaches that could strengthen mutual understanding and trust?
• What can other regions learn from Arctic international cooperation? Could such international cooperation, for example regarding involvement of indigenous peoples and indigenous rights, be applied elsewhere?
• How may academic research support cross-border cooperation in the Arctic?

Session II – Arctic Ocean – in a warming climate

The Arctic is warming four times the global average. Consequently, a dramatic reduction in the sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean has been observed in the last decades. An ocean, which has been permanently ice-covered for millions of years, is now transiting to a seasonally open blue ocean. An ocean, which therefore has not been available for scientific studies and mapping, is now much more accessible. Rapidly changing environmental conditions call for identifying and collecting core observations to understand the near and long-term development of the Arctic Ocean. Some nations have built new research icebreakers during the past decades, and others are in the process of building. How can the scientific activities in the Arctic Ocean be coordinated and information shared?

• What are the scientific results from recent cruises?
• What are the knowledge gaps and research priorities for the Arctic Ocean for the next decade?
• How are we preparing for the International Polar Year 2032-33?

Session III – International shipping in the Arctic – the environmental dimension

Whereas international transit traffic has remained modest, a significant increase in destination shipping (transports into and out from the Arctic) has taken place. No major environmental accident has so far been reported, but if a major oil spill occurred it could have serious repercussions for the sea as well as coastal areas. Ballast water and emissions to air remain a problem. Thus, there is a constant need to ensure the safety of maritime operations. This includes the quality of ships operating (e.g. ice-class), as well as sailing season – considering the ice situation - and emergency procedures. The IMOs Polar Code, which went into force in 2017, was meant to establish new standards and guidelines for shipping, but how effective is the implementation of regulations, which primarily depends on port state control? New technologies for shipping are being developed, including more environmentally friendly fuel and improved ship designs. What are the most important advances in this field? importance of scientific assessments to improving knowledge and understanding of the Arctic to inform policy shaping and decision-making;

• What are the main environmental challenges in current Arctic shipping activities?
• How effective is the implementation of the Polar Code (International code for ships operating in polar waters)? What about the enforcement of the code? Do we need a new safety standard for shipping in the Arctic, especially for cruise/expedition operations?
• Are new green shipping technologies emerging that could raise the environmental performance of Arctic shipping? Can the establishment of green shipping corridors be a way forward?
• As Arctic marine tourism increases, how can we ensure it`s sustainable?

Session IV – The role of energy transition in the respond to climate change

Climate change is driving worldwide transformations across ecosystems, from contributing to sea-level rise and shifting weather patterns to altering wildlife migrations. Recognizing the urgency of climate action, parties to the UNFCCC at COP28 agreed to accelerate the global energy transition. The Arctic plays a dual role as both an energy producer and a beneficiary of this global shift towards cleaner energy sources. Meanwhile, the demand for low-carbon energy, LNG from Asian economies, including China, South Korea, and India is increasing with the purpose of supporting their own ambitious climate targets. How can we ensure that climate concerns are at the forefront of decisions shaping the future of Arctic energy development? Mainstreaming of environmental concerns in Arctic resource development;

• What role is the Arctic likely to have in energy supplies to Asian countries?
• What will be the role of external actors in Arctic resource development？
• What can be learned from development of renewable energy in the Nordic countries?