Climate Change and Arctic Ocean Governance: An Introduction

Climate change impacts the natural environment of the Arctic and the people who live in the Arctic. Among the most visible impacts of climate change on the Arctic is the melting of sea ice in the Arctic ocean. The reduction of sea ice cover also opens up new shipping routes, for example along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), as well as opportunities for cruise ship operations. Both the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have impacted the practice of ship operations in the Arctic. It appears likely, however, that the Arctic ocean will remain an attractive cruise ship destination and a shortcut between Europe and Asia for cargo vessels for the foreseeable future. This makes it necessary to address risks of pollution of the fragile Arctic marine environment. This text introduces the readers to these issues and connects the changes faced by the Arctic region with environmental protection and governance, with a particular view to the interests of coastal communities in the Arctic region.