The Arctic is both a frontier and gateway to Europe
and one which is threatened by climate change. Its Oceans, ecosystems and
bio-diversity have a huge impact on our own.
Wednesday 27 April saw the EU unveil an
integrated Arctic policy which will focus on climate change and environmental
protection, sustainable development and international cooperation. EU High
Representative Federica Mogherini joined climate Commissioner Karmenu Vella to
launch the new initiative.
Mogherini explained that EU policy was
based on three pillars; firstly the need to fight climate change and protect
the environment; secondly to have sustainable economic development with a
social dimension which protects the Arctic's 4 million inhabitants and thirdly
to build on and increase international cooperation. Mogherini said that EU's
new policy included environmental, maritime, scientific and technological
elements.
At the launch of the policy Mogherini
stressed the international dimension: "The Arctic is also crucial in terms
of our foreign and security policy as the only place in the world were three
continents meet, where the major players like the US, Canada and Russia meet
and where several EU members and non-EU members meet."
Arctic warming at almost
twice the global average rate
In recent years, the Arctic's role in
climate change has become much more prominent with far-reaching consequences as
the region acts as a regulator of the Earth’s climate, including the weather
patterns in Europe. In past decades, the Arctic has been warming at almost
twice the global average rate. Scientists have pointed out that the Arctic also
contributes to climate change, due to the gradual release of methane gases as
the region warms up. In turn, the climatic changes in the Arctic drive
increasing economic activity in the region. In her remarks Federica Mogherini
pointed out that EU had played a crucial role in the recent Paris international
agreement on climate change signed last Friday.
EU Commissioner for
Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Karmenu Vella said that "we
impact on the Arctic and the Arctic impacts on us. Global weather patterns, our
oceans, ecosystems and local biodiversity – the Arctic influences them all.
While increasing human development is inevitable, it is in our hands to do it
in a sustainable way." The Joint Communication takes into account existing
EU legislation and builds on and complements the Arctic policies of EU
countries. The proposed actions will now be discussed with the EU Member States
in the Council and the European Parliament.
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