US President Joe Biden’s administration released a new Arctic strategy on Friday as the strategically and ecologically important region suffers from the worsening effects of climate change and faces increasing international competition.
Global warming is melting Arctic ice, opening up previously closed areas to shipping, and creating new opportunities for countries like the United States, Russia, and China to compete for resources and influence.
The situation is further complicated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia – a major Arctic power – which has raised tensions between Moscow and Washington to levels not seen since the height of the Cold War.
“The Arctic – home to more than four million people, vast natural resources and unique ecosystems – is undergoing a dramatic transformation,” the strategy reads.
“Driven by climate change, this transformation will challenge Arctic livelihoods, create new economic opportunities and could intensify strategic competition between countries.”
The strategy comprises four main pillars: security, climate and environmental protection, sustainable economic development and international cooperation.
“Our highest priority is protecting the American people and our territory and our rights. We are committed to the safety of our contractors and the support of our partners in the region,” the strategy reads.
To that end, Washington will “enhance and deploy both our military and civilian capabilities in the Arctic, as needed, to counter threats and to anticipate, prevent and respond to both natural and man-made incidents.”
With the increasing impact of global warming, Washington wants to help Alaska – its northernmost state – build resilience and adapt, and also aims to pursue international initiatives to mitigate emissions in the Arctic.
“Climate change is having greater impacts in the Arctic than in many more temperate regions, leading to unstable terrain, vulnerable coastlines, changing ecosystems and a worsening biodiversity crisis,” the strategy reads.
– Cooperation with Russia “practically impossible” –
“We will support efforts to build the resilience of Alaskan communities in the face of dramatic shifts on the Arctic horizon,” it said, noting that more than 60 percent of the state’s Native Americans are considered “environmentally vulnerable.”
On the economic front, the strategy notes that melting Arctic ice — while a “strong predictor of accelerating climate change” — also presents opportunities.
“The U.S. government will help create the conditions to foster responsible, inclusive, and transparent economic development in Alaska and throughout the Arctic,” it said, including through infrastructure development and industry support that improve opportunities for local communities.
The strategy says that the United States appreciates cooperation in the Arctic, but that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dealt a serious blow to prospects for cooperation with Moscow.
“Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine has made this cooperation in the Arctic virtually impossible at the moment. However, maintaining cooperation with our allies and partners in the near term remains essential to advance our goals for the region,” it said.
It has been almost 10 years since the last US policy document on the Arctic was released and the new strategy takes into account both the changing natural and geopolitical environment.
“Given the developments we’ve seen over the past eight to nine years, this strategy addresses the climate crisis with greater urgency,” a senior US government official said ahead of its release.
It “also recognizes the increased strategic competition we’ve seen in the Arctic in relation to Russia and (China) over the past decade and … seeks to position the US to compete effectively and manage those tensions as well.” be able.”
