Top Arctic stories of the week, 22 -- 26 November 2021

Below is a recap of this week’s posts by Alexander Stotskiy (CEO, Project Office for Arctic Development) analyzing major international, national and regional events and trends in the Arctic.

An Arctic Bus prototype goes north for winter trials

A sustainable urban environment is crucial for development in the Arctic, with comfort being a major factor contributing to improving the quality of life. This task can hardly be met without a well-functioning and highly reliable public transportation system. A team of the Urals Interregional Research and Education Center (UIREC) has launched a project to design an Arctic-grade bus, which is to become a centerpiece of such system in high-latitude cities. According to a statement released by the UIREC, its prototype will undergo a series of stress tests as part of a comprehensive winter trial program. Read more…

Russia will focus on developing permanent settlements in the High North

Russia’s approach to Arctic expansion appears to shift towards further development of permanent settlements in its Polar regions. There are several projects underway to both renovate the existing Arctic cities and study the feasibility of building new ones. The authorities of Norilsk, a major exploration and industrial hub in the Russian Arctic, are working towards designing a comprehensive city renovation plan. In turn, the option of building new settlements in Siberia and/or the Arctic is widely discussed by both experts and government officials. Read more…

Russia’s chief scientist discusses climate change

Alexander Sergeiev, the Russian Science Academy’s head, gave an interview to the Government’s official newspaper, making an exposé of the Russian position as regards transiting to green fuels, offset strategies, and other key aspects of the climate-related agenda. The issues raised are of specific importance to Russia, including for the reason that a considerable part of this country’s territory lies north of the Arctic Circle, with this region being especially vulnerable to climate changes. Read more…

Arctic traffic jam is stress-testing the NSR

According to Russian nuclear monopoly Rosatom, 24 various vessels, including an oil tanker, have been caught off-guard by ice on the Northern Sea Route. The challenge is being responded to by a team of Rosatom experts and decision-makers chaired by Viacheslav Ruksha, the corporation’s second-in-command. 8 out of 24 ships have already been freed from the ice trap, but there are 16 more to go. The situation will be resolved by the end of December, and all supplies stuck on the NSR will reach their destination, say Rosatom’s officials. Read more…

Clean Arctic volunteers reported removal of more than 3,000 tons of waste in 2021

A series of sessions held at the Far East and Arctic Ministry summed up the interim results of the Clean Arctic initiative implemented throughout the Russian High North. According to reports, in 2021, volunteers have collected more than 3,000 tons of waste such as used oil barrels, tires, plastic, and wood. More than 2,200 people have already joined the project, while 3,000 more have applied for participation in 2022. Read more…