The Arctic Council recently transferred the leadership from Russia to Norway.
With the recent transfer of leadership by the Arctic Council, China is trying to have a greater position regardless of future events. (Photo: BBC)
Tensions In The Arctic Council
The transfer of leadership in the Arctic Council from Russia to Norway in 2023 will not resolve the uncertainty around the Arctic Council’s activities and role.
However, China is positioning itself to have a greater role regardless of how things develop with the Arctic Council. Norway acknowledges that normalcy cannot be resumed with Russia, but some engagement with Moscow or Russian entities is essential for effective Arctic Council cooperation.
According to a published article by Stratfor, to counter Russia’s political isolation, China has offered to mediate and bridge the gap between the Arctic Council and Russia. China has also signed deals with Russia related to security and economic development, strengthening its influence in the future of Arctic Council governance.
Actions To Reduce Climate Pollutants
In a published article by Offshore Energy, the Clean Arctic Alliance and Bellona organizations have sent a letter to Morten Høglund, the Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council, urging him to take action to reduce climate pollutants, specifically black carbon emissions from shipping.
They emphasize that while Arctic diplomacy has been paused, Arctic shipping has continued and black carbon emissions have doubled in recent years.
They believe that this issue is a crucial aspect of Norway’s chairship of the Arctic Council and urge immediate action to address black carbon emissions.
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