Knowledge, responsibility, engagement: the EU outlines its policy for the Arctic

European Commission
Press release
Brussels, 3 July 2012

The European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have today outlined the way forward for the EU's constructive engagement in the Arctic. The Arctic region is a vital component of the Earth's environment. Climate change in the Arctic is advancing dramatically, with change visible on a yearly basis, impacting significantly on its ecosystem and the livelihood of its inhabitants. At the same time, rapidly retreating sea ice alongside technological progress are opening up new economic opportunities in the region such as shipping, mining, energy extraction and fishing. While beneficial for the global economy, these activities also call for a prudent and sustainable approach: further repercussions for the fragile Arctic can be expected if top environmental standards are not met.

Summarised in three words, ''knowledge, responsibility, engagement'', the strategy adopted today contains a set of tangible actions that contribute to research and sustainable development in the region and promote environmentally friendly technologies that could be used for sustainable shipping and mining...

Source: Knowledge, responsibility, engagement: the EU outlines its policy for the Arctic
Author: EU

Link: A Climate Scientist Battles Time and Mortality
Link: Rate of Arctic summer sea ice loss is 50% higher than predicted