ARCTIC RESEARCH and INNOVATION - Understanding the changes, responding to the challenges - Applicate
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ARCTIC RESEARCH and
INNOVATION
Understanding the
changes, responding
to the challenges
Research and
Innovation
ARCTIC RESEARCH and INNOVATION – Understanding the changes, responding to the challenges
European Commission
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Directorate — Climate Action and Resource Efficiency
Unit I.4 - Climate action and Earth Observation
Contact Attilio GAMBARDELLA
E-mail Attilio.GAMBARDELLA@ec.europa.eu
RTD-PUBLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu
European Commission
B-1049 Brussels
Manuscript completed in October 2018.
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2018
Print ISBN 978-92-79-93958-7 doi:10.2777/41766 KI-06-18-106-EN-C
PDF ISBN 978-92-79-93960-0 doi:10.2777/291168 KI-06-18-106-EN-N
© European Union, 2018
Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. The reuse policy of European Commission documents is
regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39).
For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not under the EU copyright, permission must be
sought directly from the copyright holders.
Cover image © European Commission
Image(s) p. 9: © 20150822_Arktis_PS92_Eisbaer_006_MHoppmann, © 20150822_Arktis_PS92_Eisbaer_009_
MHoppmann, p. 11: © DSC_2876_INTAROS_Mikael_Sejr, © Mikko Sipilä, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System
Research / Physics, University of Helsinki, Finland, p. 13: © INTERACT- Arctic station_summer_2011_Bo Elberling,
© 20140714_Polarstern86_Arktis_2014_Aurora_013_SArndt, p.15: © Applicate@AWI, @ Kathryn H. Hansen (NASA),
p. 17: © 20150829_PS94_Arktis_306_SHendricks, © DSC_5533, p. 19: © JN_DSC_0127, © SDA On Ice_Rolls-Royce
CONTENTS FOREWORD 2 INTRODUCTION 4 Connecting science to society 8 Strengthening, integrating and sustaining Arctic observations 10 Transnational access to Arctic research infrastructure 12 Impact on the weather and climate of the Northern Hemisphere 14 Environmental, social and economic impact 16 Safety of maritime transport activities 18
FOREWORD
Federica Mogherini Carlos Moedas
High Representative of the Union for Commissioner for Research,
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Science and Innovation
Vice-President of the Commission
T
he Arctic is of unmatched pristine As the result of a phenomenon known as
natural beauty – and home to some Arctic amplification, the Arctic warms at
4 million people living across vast re- a much faster rate than other parts of
gions which many indigenous peoples have the world. This makes the Arctic a global
inhabited for thousands of years. In recent bell-wether for climate change, and indi-
years, we have seen much greater attention cates what lies ahead for the rest of the
from all over the world in this region, which world in the near future. But more than
speaks to everyone’s imagination. this, Arctic warming is affecting the entire
planet. Melting ice sheets contribute to ris-
Dramatic changes in climate patterns have ing sea levels elsewhere and cause major
severe consequences for the Arctic regions. changes in global weather patterns.
The very rapid changes are disrupting Arctic
ecosystems and impacting and transform- However, these changes also produce new
ing the livelihoods of indigenous and local opportunities, such as new shipping routes
communities. or easier access to resources. This creates
2
an additional responsibility to ensure that Secondly, we need to increase our know
in their pursuit, precaution and preservation ledge of Arctic changes. Investigations into
are not overtaken by the interests in, and the causes, mechanisms, consequences
exploitation of Arctic opportunities. and evolution over time are the main sub-
jects of Arctic research. Consequently, over
These developments deserve our full at- the last decade, the EU has increased its
tention and devotion to strike the right investments in Arctic research and innov
balance between sustainability, socio-eco- ation, resulting in a EUR 70-million budget
nomic effects and reaping the benefits of for the period 2018-2020.
new opportunities.
The EU will continue to show leadership in the
Primarily, understanding and responding Arctic regions through international dialogue
to Arctic changes requires joint efforts by and international scientific cooperation. This
the global community. This means we must publication provides an insight into the key
focus on international cooperation and dia- areas of EU Arctic research and innovation
logue. A safe, stable, sustainable and pros- activities and gives examples of funded pro-
perous Arctic is important not just for the jects, to form the basis of what we consider
region itself, but for the European Union underpins a sustainable future for the Arctic.
and for the world. The Arctic can be a gate-
way to cooperation across many issues and
partners. The EU actively supports endeav-
ours undertaken in that spirit, which is the
basis of the EU’s Arctic policy1.
1
‘An integrated European Union policy for the Arctic’ - JOIN(2016) 21 final, 27 April 2016
3
INTRODUCTION
The Arctic: These changes – among others – are a clear
a global responsibility indication of the impending shifts that will
increasingly impact Europe’s environment,
The Arctic is undergoing profound trans society and industry. Understanding and
formation. The warming generated by glob- responding to these changes is a global re-
al greenhouse gas emissions is amplified sponsibility which requires the international
more than twice in this part of the world community to come together.
due to various causes, and in particular
to the change in albedo mainly caused by While changes in the Arctic pose challenges,
the shrinking of the sea-ice area, and the they may also provide economic opportun
corresponding exposure of a wider, dark ities for the region, Europe, and the rest of
ocean surface to sunlight during the Arc- the world. New transport routes, access to
tic summer. Higher average temperatures previously inaccessible resources, and a
signi
fi
cantly affect the extent and thick- shift to the north of fish stocks all increase
ness of sea ice and snow cover, as well as this area’s strategic importance.
the melting of ice sheets and the thaw-
ing of permafrost. All this results in dis- Science is a vital tool for understanding
ruptive changes for ecosystems, the Arc- what is driving the rapid changes being
tic’s indigenous peoples and other human observed at high latitudes and identifying
communities. sustainable and innovative approaches to
tackle the resulting challenges. However, a
Environmental, ecological and subsequent full understanding of Arctic changes should
social changes are happening faster than also be based on the wide body of know
ever before, affecting the way Arctic ledge developed by indigenous peoples,
residents live. who have lived in this region for millennia,
as reflected in their culture and languages.
While it may seem remote, changes in the
Arctic have global consequences. For in- International scientific and technological
stance, the melting of the Greenland ice cooperation is essential for the Arctic, and
sheet contributes to global sea-level rise the EU is committed to being a part of it.
and has the potential to change ocean cir-
culation patterns that can impact the whole The scale and complexity of many of the Arc-
planet. Moreover, Arctic warming is affect- tic’s challenges often go beyond the capabi
ing weather patterns and the occurrence of lities of individual countries to address them.
extreme weather events, with worldwide Therefore, pan-Arctic observations, satellite
repercussions on infrastructures and phys measurements and expensive infrastructure
ical and socio-economic consequences. call for a high degree of collaboration.
4
Horizon 2020 offers a unique framework Furthermore, the EU Arctic Cluster is a net-
for this, with five of the eight Arctic coun- work of several current EU-funded Arctic
tries either members (Denmark, Finland research projects. Jointly, this group de
and Sweden) or associate members (Ice- livers the most up-to-date findings on
land and Norway). The EU has a very strong Arctic change and provides guidance and
cooperation with Canada and the United policy-relevant information.
States of America on Arctic science un-
der the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance. Arctic science and observations are part of
In addition, Horizon 2020 has cooperation the EUR 3.3-billion ‘Building a low-carbon,
agreements with the remaining three Arc- climate-resilient future’ Horizon 2020 Work
tic countries (Canada, Russia and the USA), Programme Focus Area for 2018-2020. For
and is open to participation by partners this period, in line with the EU’s integrated
from all other countries worldwide. Arctic policy, the Commission is continu-
ing – and even stepping up – investments
The EU is a major investor and player in in Arctic research and innovation, with an
Arctic research. expected average investment of more
than EUR 20 million per year. Overall, the
Over the first four years of Horizon 2020, EU is investing around EUR 200 million in
the EU funded more than 45 Arctic-related Arctic-related research under the Horizon
projects, investing more than EUR 120 mil- 2020 Programme (2014-2020).
lion. It also supports development and
international access to Arctic research in- The actions featured in this publication il-
frastructure throughout Europe and via lustrate the different elements of EU Arctic
cooperation activities with non-EU Arctic research and innovation policy being imple-
countries. In addition, the EU is proposing to mented through Horizon 2020.
make the Arctic a test location for sustain-
able innovation by, for instance, developing
cold-climate technologies and services, and
contributing to the identification of ‘Arctic
standards’ to ensure the sustainability of
processes and technologies.
5
Research matters
The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global
average with impacts worldwide and locally to the
environment, communities and economies.
These impacts include changes to:
weather patterns, including sea levels, and threats to ecosystems, biodiversity
the frequency and intensity coastal communities and fish stocks
of extreme events
As the Arctic becomes more accessible due to climate change, economic
activities will put more pressure on an already fragile environment.
Investment in Arctic research will reduce knowledge gaps and improve
our ability to respond to these changes.
The EU is a major investor in Arctic research
€200 m 2014-2020 through Horizon 2020
€120 m has already been provided to 45 Arctic-related projects
€3.3 bn for a Horizon 2020 focus area to build a ‘low-carbon,
climate-resilient future’ – includes funding for Arctic science
and observations.
The EU also supports development and The EU also proposes to make the Arctic a test
international access to Arctic research location for sustainable innovation by developing –
infrastructure throughout Europe, for example – cold-climate technologies and services,
and through cooperation activities with and by contributing to the identification of ‘Arctic
non-EU Arctic countries. standards’ to ensure the sustainability of processes
and technologies.
6
EU science-diplomacy leadership
The EU supports international scientific cooperation to:
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develop an international improve local-level climate make Arctic research and
Arctic Observing System predictions and monitoring datasets accessible
projections and relevant for communities
facilitate international access to Arctic enhance multilateral scientific cooperation
research infrastructure and understand between Arctic and non-Arctic countries,
the regional and global dynamics of indigenous peoples, local communities, and
Arctic changes societal and economic stakeholders
Five of the eight Arctic countries are either EU countries (Denmark,
Finland and Sweden) or associate members (Iceland and Norway).
Horizon 2020 has cooperation agreements with the other three
Arctic countries: Canada, the Russian Federation and the USA.
Sharing research and observation infrastructures helps to keep
the Arctic a region of peaceful cooperation.
7
Connecting science to society
R
apid changes occurring in the Arctic European research has provided essential
are making a significant impact on insight for identifying the processes behind
the global climate – with far-reach- these rapid changes, but the full impacts
ing consequences felt worlds away. of a warming Arctic have yet to be fully
assessed and quantified which means it is
Environmental, economic not yet possible to effect
and social changes are ively predict the effects
now occurring at great- of Arctic changes on our
er speed and scale than climate and society.
ever before and in in- The rapid changes occurring
creasingly interconnected in the Arctic are making a This situation can only
ways. The Arctic is under- significant impact on the global be improved by taking a
going significant devel- climate – with far-reaching more holistic and inte-
opments with unprece- consequences felt worlds away. grated approach, as well
dented levels of human as implementing a high-
activities. Therefore, resi- er degree of coordination
dents and stakeholders in the Arctic regions of research activities and closer scientific
urgently need applied and detailed knowl- cooperation with all the relevant actors at
edge on a range of key issues. an international level, including societal
stakeholders.
In Europe, as the effects of climate change
become more pronounced through extreme
weather and higher temperatures, Arctic is-
sues have risen up the political agenda in
recent years.
Higher government investment in Arctic-
related research is a clear demonstration
of the extent to which scientific findings are
critical for shaping policy objectives, includ-
ing those linked to climate change, energy
and food security, as well as innovation and
economic growth.
8EU-POLARNET
EU Arctic
This project comprises an alliance of
research institutes aimed at boosting
Research Cluster
Europe’s ability to generate new know The EU Arctic Cluster is a network
ledge about the world’s polar regions, of EU Arctic research projects
which are seen as indicators of our funded under Horizon 2020 and
planet’s health. the Seventh Research Framework
Programme (FP7), which merges
the most up-to-date findings
Coordinator: on Arctic change and its global
Alfred-Wegener-Institut implications. The European Polar
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Board is an affiliated partner.
Meeresforschung, Germany
The Cluster’s objective is to provide
Total cost: policy-relevant information and
EUR 2 174 504 support the EU in advancing
international cooperation; respond
EC contribution: to the impact of climate change on
EUR 2 174 504 the Arctic’s fragile environment;
and promote and contribute to the
Start/end: region’s sustainable development.
March 2015 to February 2020
It cooperates closely with
Other countries: policymakers, local Arctic
France, United Kingdom, Italy, communities and indigenous
Sweden, Portugal, Netherlands, peoples, business representatives
Norway, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, and European civil society.
Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Poland,
Estonia, Greenland
Web:
http://www.eu-polarnet.eu
9Strengthening, integrating and
sustaining Arctic observations
A
n improved and sustained observa- In an effort to contribute to the long-term
tion system is essential for properly improvement of Arctic observation, such a
studying, forecasting and assess- system should combine input from several
ing environmental changes in the Arctic sources having very different spatial co
– and supporting the region’s sustainable verage and scope, ranging from commu-
development. nity-based observations led by indigenous
peoples, to satellites,
To fit the bill, current na- ground-based stations,
tional and international and high-tech autono-
observation and research mous platforms.
efforts should enhance An ideal Arctic observation
system is one that is
their coordination and Demonstrating the be
integrated, multi-disciplinary
collaboration, as well as nefits and value of such
and has a high level of
their focus, to ensure that observation systems is
complexity. It provides key
the data they collect is data on global issues such as essential to justifying
both comprehensive and climate change and also takes the required long-term
useful. To that end, more regional, national and local investments.
temporal and geographic interests into consideration.
coverage is needed. Within this context, Co-
pernicus, the EU’s Earth
In addition, accurately assessing and pre- Observation Programme – with its space-
dicting environmental change in the Arctic based products derived from Sentinel sa
requires multifaceted data on the region’s tellite missions and its environmentally fo-
meteorology, climate and oceanography, cused thematic operational services – plays
alongside the state of its ecosystems and a fundamental role.
pollution levels.
For example, Copernicus Marine Service
Arctic science challenges demand a Arctic ocean models are able to simulate
pan-Arctic approach and long-term com- a 3D view of phytoplankton, the first level
mitment that go beyond the average re- of the marine food chain. This provides key
search project duration. An ideal Arctic ob- clues for studying the marine ecosystem as
servation system is one that is integrated, a whole, as well as the global carbon cycle
multi-disciplinary and has a high level of and climate change.
complexity. It provides key data on global
issues such as climate change and takes
regional, national and local interests into
consideration.
10INTAROS iCUPE
The overall objective of INTAROS is to iCUPE aims to help establish and main-
develop an integrated Arctic Observation tain long-term, coherent and coordinated
System (iAOS) by extending, improving polar observations and research activ
and unifying existing systems. It seeks ities. Its focus is on improving the inte-
to help address Arctic challenges and gration of existing in-situ observational
enable better-informed decision-making. networks collecting data on pollutants,
including aerosols and trace gases, as
well as contaminants. It also seeks to
Coordinator: harmonise quality control.
Nansen Environmental and Remote
Sensing Center, Norway
Total cost: Coordinator:
EUR 15 490 067 University of Helsinki, Finland
EC contribution: Total cost:
EUR 15 490 067 EUR 9 340 000
Start/end: EC contribution:
December 2016 to November 2021 EUR 2 750 000
Other countries: Start/end:
Sweden, Germany, Poland, September 2017 to August 2020
Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom,
Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Other countries:
Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greenland, Italy, Denmark, Germany,
Russia, United States, Canada, France, Estonia, Greece, Sweden,
China Switzerland
Web: Web:
http://www.intaros.eu https://www.atm.helsinki.fi/icupe
11Transnational access to Arctic
research infrastructure
A
rctic research is crucial – but it There is also a significant opportunity to
comes at a cost. Pooling resources link up much more productively with other
could help lower the price tag and nations in the wider international polar sci-
promote better results. ence community, including with those lack-
ing infrastructure or facilities. The same
It takes expensive infrastructure that can applies to connecting with businesses, such
survive harsh climatic conditions to ob- as those involved with shipping, which op-
serve, monitor and understand the rapid erate Arctic infrastructure.
changes taking place in the Arctic.
It is important to develop
Europe has a long trad and bolster networks that
ition and very strong make it easier for projects
reputation for world- to carry out potentially
class scientific research While there is already a groundbreaking studies
in the Arctic region. This degree of coordination and analyses in the Arc-
is enabled and support- and cooperation between tic. Supporting transna-
ed by significant and Europeans operating in the tional access to research
substantial scientific in- Arctic, great potential exists facilities or installations
frastructure, as well as for the considerable resources is one concrete way of
facilities and platforms available to be used more fostering this.
operated by many Euro- coherently and effectively to
pean nations. achieve the highest-quality Moreover, costs can be
research possible. cut not only by sharing in-
While there is already a frastructure and observa-
degree of coordination tion systems but also by
and cooperation between Europeans ope making data freely and openly available in
rating in the Arctic, great potential exists a timely manner.
for the considerable resources available
to be used more coherently and effective-
ly in order to achieve the highest-quality
research possible.
12INTERACT ARICE
This project aims to build capacity for ARICE seeks to give polar scientists better
identifying, understanding, predicting access to ice-breakers and boost Europe’s
and responding to diverse environmental capacity for marine-based research in the
changes in the Arctic. It offers scientists ice-covered Arctic Ocean. It also aims to
access to numerous research stations, work with the maritime industry on a pro-
giving them the chance to work in the gramme that involves commercial ships
field in often remote locations. collecting oceanic and atmospheric data.
Coordinator: Coordinator:
Lund University, Sweden Alfred-Wegener-Institut
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und
Total cost: Meeresforschung, Germany
EUR 10 000 000
Total cost:
EC contribution: EUR 5 996 567
EUR 10 000 000
EC contribution:
Start/end: EUR 5 996 567
October 2016 to September 2020
Start/end:
Other countries: January 2018 to December 2021
United Kingdom, Denmark,
Finland, Italy, Germany, Norway, Other countries:
Russia, Czech Republic, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, United
Poland, Austria, Faroe Islands, States, Iceland, Spain, Italy, United
Iceland, Canada, United States, Kingdom, Poland, Finland, France,
Netherlands, Belgium Denmark
Web: Web:
http://www.eu-interact.org https://www.arice.eu
13Impact on the weather and climate
of the Northern Hemisphere
T
here is proof that changes to the Timely and trustworthy weather and cli-
Arctic climate are having an impact mate predictions, both within the Arctic and
far beyond the region’s borders – in- elsewhere, are key for a number of reasons.
cluding in Europe and North America.
For example, such predic-
Climate change is warm- tions are necessary for
ing up the Arctic twice as boosting Europe’s capac-
fast as the rest of the ity to respond to the im-
world, causing Green- With so much at stake, more pact of climate change –
land glaciers to release needs to be done to better on both the environment
hundreds of gigatonnes incorporate processes specific and on human activities
of melted ice into the to the Arctic into weather in the Arctic. These could
oceans each year. This and climate modelling. This become more widespread
results not only in rising could help provide more if rising temperatures
sea levels but also chang- clarity on the region’s role in cause a thaw in the re-
the global climate system,
ing weather patterns and gion, creating new fishing
as well as explore a link
a higher incidence of ex- grounds and providing
to extreme and potentially
treme weather events. easier access to natural
catastrophic weather.
resources that are of eco-
New findings show that, nomic interest.
indeed, severe snowfall,
as well as extreme rain and scorching heat- More comprehensive modelling focused
waves that have hit Europe in recent years, on extreme weather events could also
may be influenced by the Arctic warming save lives by, for example, giving people in
trend. harm’s way more time to seek shelter.
With so much at stake, more needs to be
done to better incorporate processes spe-
cific to the Arctic into weather and climate
modelling. This could help provide greater
clarity on the region’s role in the global
climate system, as well as explore a link
to extreme and potentially catastrophic
weather.
14APPLICATE BLUE-ACTION
This project addresses the need for trust- The aim of BLUE-ACTION is to boost the
worthy weather and climate predictions ability to describe, model and predict Arctic
in the Arctic and beyond. APPLICATE’s climate change and its impact on the
international team of experts are aiming Northern Hemisphere. It seeks to do this by,
to make significant improvements to cur- for example, improving the uptake of rele-
rent climate and weather models and help vant Earth observation satellite data and
determine the influence of Arctic climate contributing to a forecasting framework.
change on the Northern Hemisphere.
Coordinator:
Coordinator: Danish Meteorological Institute,
Alfred-Wegener-Institut Denmark
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und
Meeresforschung, Germany Total cost:
EUR 8 103 125
Total cost:
EUR 8 715 066 EC contribution:
EUR 7 500 000
EC contribution:
EUR 7 999 591 Start/end:
December 2016 to February 2021
Start/end:
November 2016 to October 2020 Other countries:
Finland, Portugal, Italy, France,
Other countries: South Korea, Norway, Germany,
Spain, United Kingdom, Norway, Faroe Islands, China, Russia, Spain,
Belgium, Sweden, France, Iceland, Canada, Iceland, United States,
Russia Netherlands
Web: Web:
https://www.applicate.eu http://www.blue-action.eu
15Environmental, social and
economic impact
A
rctic change is here to stay so strat- This could help determine the economic
egies are needed to soften its blow effect of Arctic warming, both locally and
and adapt to the new normal. globally. It could also shed light on what
Arctic changes mean from a social point
Due to the warming process already locked of view – such as their repercussions for
into the climate system, the Arctic is ex- indigenous peoples and local communities
pected to keep thawing at least until 2050. living in the area.
Going forward, mitigation In this respect, Arctic re-
and adaption strategies search and sustainable
could stabilise the im- innovation is key to de-
pact of rising tempera- Arctic research and innovation veloping the capacity to
tures in this very fragile is key to developing the both manage risks and
environmental and social capacity to manage risks take advantage of oppor-
ecosystem while reduc- and take advantage of tunities emerging from
ing vulnerabilities and opportunities emerging from climatic changes in this
building up the region’s climatic changes in this region. region.
It can also be instrumental in
resilience.
promoting the engagement
It can also be instrumen-
of, and interaction with,
But effectively respond- tal in promoting the en-
indigenous peoples and others
ing to the serious chal- who call the Arctic home ... gagement of, and inter-
lenges posed by Arctic action with, indigenous
change requires a sol- peoples and others who
id understanding of the call the Arctic home, en-
phenomenon – as well as a clear grasp suring that their interests and knowledge
of its environmental, social and economic are taken into consideration.
consequences.
This understanding can be enhanced by
taking a closer look at current and antici-
pated future changes – and projecting their
impact.
16ICE-ARC NUNATARYUK
This project assessed the global cost of The main goal of NUNATARYUK is to
Arctic change. It found that the acceler determine the impact of thawing land,
ation of climate change, driven by thaw- coast and subsea permafrost on both the
ing Arctic permafrost and melting sea ice, global climate and humans in the Arctic,
could cause up to USD 130 trillion-worth and to develop targeted and co-designed
of extra economic losses globally under adaptation and mitigation strategies.
the current business-as-usual trajectory
over the next three centuries.
Coordinator:
Coordinator: Alfred-Wegener-Institut
British Antarctic Survey, Helmholz-Zentrum für Polar- und
United Kingdom Meeresforschung, Germany
Total cost: Total cost:
EUR 11 531 469 EUR 11 467 318
EC contribution: EC contribution:
EUR 8 874 626 EUR 11 467 318
Start/end: Start/end:
January 2014 to December 2017 November 2017 to October 2022
Other countries: Other countries:
Croatia, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Netherlands, France,
Greenland, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Iceland,
France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, Italy, Norway, Portugal,
Russia Belgium
Web: Web:
https://www.ice-arc.eu https://www.nunataryuk.org
17Safety of maritime
transport activities
A
rctic sea ice is declining at a dra- The downside is that more shipping poses
matic rate, creating both environ- potential problems for the Arctic’s fragile
mental concerns and the potential ecosystems. For instance, the migration
for new economic opportunities. corridor used by marine mammals and
birds corresponds broadly with the main
As captured by satellites, the Arctic Ocean shipping routes into and out of the Arctic,
has seen a rapid reduction in both the ex- and accidents such as oil spills may put the
tent and volume of sea ice. pristine environment at serious risk.
With this decline expect- Even during summer, the
ed to continue, the Arctic harsh Arctic conditions
will gradually become make navigation diffi-
more accessible – open- It is of paramount importance cult amid unpredictable
ing up major opportuni- to ensure safe Arctic weather and ice floes.
ties for the maritime sec- navigation and enable Ships often require an
tor such as short cuts for European maritime transport expensive ice-breaker es-
cargo vessels and, by de- to fully embrace the region’s cort and additional insur-
fault, lower greenhouse significant and growing ance which offset some
gas emissions. shipping opportunities all of the route’s potential
while protecting its natural fuel savings.
environment.
The Northern Sea Route
and the Northwest Pas- It is of paramount import
sage are already open ance to ensure safe Arctic
seasonally most years, although specialised navigation and enable European maritime
vessels are currently required. However, as transport to fully embrace the region’s sig-
the ice has receded, traffic has increased. nificant and growing shipping opportunities
while protecting its natural environment.
18GRACE SEDNA
The GRACE project is focusing on deve This project is developing an innovative
loping, comparing and evaluating the and integrated risk-based approach to
effectiveness and environmental impact safe Arctic navigation, ship design and
of different oil-spill response methods operation to enable European maritime
in a cold climate. It is also developing a interests to fully embrace the Arctic’s
system for the real-time observation of significant and growing shipping oppor-
underwater oil spills and a strategic tool tunities while safeguarding its natural
for choosing oil-spill response methods. environment.
Coordinator: Coordinator:
Suomen Ymparistokeskus, Finland BMT Group Ltd, United Kingdom
Total cost: Total cost:
EUR 3 031 648 EUR 6 726 565
EC contribution: EC contribution:
EUR 2 852 760 EUR 6 498 752
Start/end: Start/end:
March 2016 to August 2019 June 2017 to May 2020
Other countries: Other countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Finland,
Norway, Greenland, Sweden, China
Canada
Web:
Web: http://www.sedna-project.eu
http://www.grace-oil-project.eu
19Getting in touch with the EU IN PERSON All over the European Union there are hundreds of Europe Direct information centres. You can find the address of the centre nearest you at: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en ON THE PHONE OR BY E-MAIL Europe Direct is a service that answers your questions about the European Union. You can contact this service: – by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain operators may charge for these calls), – at the following standard number: +32 22999696 or – by email via: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en Finding information about the EU ONLINE Information about the European Union in all the official languages of the EU is available on the Europa website at: https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en EU PUBLICATIONS You can download or order free and priced EU publications at: https://publications.europa. eu/en/publications. Multiple copies of free publications may be obtained by contacting Europe Direct or your local information centre (see https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en). EU LAW AND RELATED DOCUMENTS For access to legal information from the EU, including all EU law since 1952 in all the official language versions, go to EUR-Lex at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu OPEN DATA FROM THE EU The EU Open Data Portal (http://data.europa.eu/euodp/en) provides access to datasets from the EU. Data can be downloaded and reused for free, both for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
This booklet outlines key aspects of ongoing EU-funded Arctic research and innovation. Climate change is the main cause of Arctic changes, and therefore the investigation on its mechanisms, its consequences and its evolution is the main subject of Arctic research. The Arctic, despite being home to only about 4 million people – a fraction of the world population of 7.6 billion – is the canary in the mine of climate change. The Arctic is warming because of greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities mainly elsewhere and at a much faster rate than in other parts of the planet because of a phenomenon known as ‘Arctic amplification’. Research and Innovation policy
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