UiB gives input to the EU’s Arctic policy update
The University of Bergen (UiB) has contributed to the call for evidence for the update of the Arctic policy of the European Union. While UiB considers the current EU Arctic policy to provide a strong foundation, an updated policy should take into account that climate change is progressing faster than previously assumed, and that the security and geopolitical situation in the region has become more challenging.
Hovedinnhold
UiB considers that the Arctic policy of the European Union should remain rooted in multilateral cooperation and established international legal frameworks, with scientific knowledge as a central basis for decision making, and meaningful and systematic involvement of Indigenous peoples and local communities. Hence, long-term investments in research, innovation, and research infrastructure will be essential.
UiB welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the Arctic Strategy and has presented our recommendations in a position paper which can be read here.
The paper highlights the importance of universities and research and innovation in developing and disseminating knowledge about the Arctic and calls for the following areas to be prioritised in future EU research and innovation funding:
- Arctic climate processes and their link to the global climate system, including consequences of reduced sea ice and potential tipping points.
- Ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity and shifts in species distribution, with consequences for fisheries and food systems.
- Improved predictive capacity and integrated modelling that incorporates environmental, social, and economic dynamics.
- Society, governance and security, including legal and institutional frameworks for spatial management, preparedness, investments, energy security, indigenous rights and geopolitical developments.
- Health risks and societal resilience in northern regions, including climate- and pollution-related health impact and Arctic-tailored emergency response plans and health system resilience.
- Cultural heritage and cultural environments under climate change, including effects of permafrost thaw and erosion.
- Consequences of climate change, pollution and increasing activity in the Arctic for Indigenous communities, practices and knowledge systems.
- Development of research infrastructures and databases for cultural heritage and biodiversity in the Arctic.
- Long-term observation and research infrastructures, including integrated observation systems and data integration.
Read the full paper here
