The Arctic Crossroads: Environmental Challenges for Russia

• Main Author: Krasnova, Irina
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@UM Carey Law 2012
• Subjects: Environmental Law; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Ice; Northeast Passage; permafrost
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/gelc/2012/july3_4B/4; https://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/context/gelc/article/1230/viewcontent/arctic_crossroad.2012.Maryland.pdf; https://digitalcommons.law.umaryland.edu/context/gelc/article/1230/filename/0/type/additional/viewcontent/arctic_crossroad.2012.Maryland.pdf

The Arctic region – a northern polar region of the Earth occupies an area down from the Arctic Pole and comprises the Arctic Ocean, northern parts around the Northern Pole.[1] It consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean surrounded by permafrost. The Arctic is known for its rich reserves of natural resources – oil, gas minerals, fresh water, fish, the economic significance of which is growing. Since late 19th century the sea route named as a Northeast Passage (now the North Seaway) along the Russian Northern seashore has been used as a transportation route. Being an area where the territorial boundaries of the Arctic States pass, its role in providing national security both through military presence upkeep may not be ignored. At the same time it is a unique ecosystem comprising most extensive continuous wilderness areas, rare reproduction places of animals and northern fragile landscapes. Its continental areas still home indigenous peoples who have managed to preserve traditional and environmentally favorable lifestyles. Due to such unique natural, economic, social, geographical and political features the Arctic region has become now a crossroad for various interests of states, economic activities, peoples and communities. Growing pressures on the ecosystem of the Arctic have noticeable environmental implications with already existing and expected problems of environmental degradation. All this makes both international cooperation and national efforts in environmental protection a vital task. Internationally, several initiatives have been undertaken in this direction[2], however, they do not have yet a high priority on the background of territorial and economic ambitions of states. Many internal interests meet at the Arctic crossroad of Russia. The country has jurisdiction over the largest EEZ as compared to other Arctic states, has well-developed fishing and oil extraction activities and claims to have control over the extended continental shelf. Its military fleet with nuclear weapons is based here, and it ...