Social & Environmental Risks

Scientists know less about the biology and ecology of the Arctic marine environment than many other parts of the ocean. What scientists do know is that Arctic ecosystems are vulnerable to disturbance and that fundamental changes are occurring at a rapid pace. Expansion of industrial activities into the Arctic will add pressure to a region already stressed by climate change. Major environmental risks from increased industrial activity include: oil spills, contaminants, air pollution, noise pollution and the cumulative impact of multiple stresses. Industrial access will provide more potential economic opportunities for local residents while at the same time increasing possible health and social risks.

Pollution: Most pollution in the Arctic originated elsewhere and traveled there by air or water. Some of the air pollutants found there not only can affect human health, but also contribute to global climate change. Increased industrial access to the Arctic poses environmental risks such as water pollution – including garbage, sewage and invasive species from ship ballast water – and industrial noise.

Contaminants: Arctic communities and ecosystems are at risk from contaminants. Toxins produced in lower latitudes can travel north and settle in the Arctic where they are then absorbed and ingested by fish, animals and humans.  These toxins include persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals and radionuclides. If enough exposure occurs, these toxins can cause serious health effects.  

Oil Spills: The threat of an oil spill is amplified because no adequate technology or infrastructure to clean up oil in broken sea ice has been proven to work in the Arctic. Once in the environment, oil can affect marine life in major ways including reducing their ability to survive frigid temperatures and undermining food sources. Oil ingested by marine life can make its way up the food web to human consumption as well.

Health & Social Impacts: Increased industrial activities will affect the traditional way of life for indigenous Arctic peoples in both positive and negative way. The cumulative impact of seemingly minor changes may have a greater overall effect on traditional indigenous communities and should be considered when planning for the future.