Top Arctic stories of the week, 8 -- 12 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.

Russian delegates offer solutions for attaining climate neutrality

Russia took an active part in the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) to promote its vision of how to shape the joint action needed to address urgent environmental matters. Russia’s strategic vision in terms of attaining climate neutrality is based on the idea that any technology known to help decrease the carbon footprint, including nuclear power and hydroelectric power, should be deemed as climate-friendly without prejudice and discrimination. Read more…

Head of Russia’s ecological oversight agency speaks about environmental issues

Members of the Federation Council (upper chamber of the Russian parliament) met with Svetlana Radionova, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Natural Resources, a government agency tasked with ensuring the compliance of business with environmental regulations. Ms Radionova talked about key duties performed by the Service, gave an overview of major environmental issues faced by Russia, and answered questions asked by Senators. Read more…

Indigenous peoples urge to make FPIC mandatory

As part of the COP26 conference, the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change was held to highlight climate and environmental issues in the context of indigenous rights. Its delegates gathered in Glasgow to discuss challenges faced by indigenous communities throughout the globe in view of climate change and reflect on how indigenous peoples could contribute to the effort to attain climatic neutrality. One of the Forum’s top concerns was agreeing on a collective position as regards amending Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Read more…

Rosatom builds four floating nuclear power units for Baimskaya project

There is work underway to secure a clean and reliable source of energy for the Baimskaya gold and copper production project in Chukotka, Russian Arctic. Under a contract signed earlier this year, the national nuclear monopoly Rosatom will build four floating nuclear power units by 31 July 2031. The units are expected to be an updated version of those installed at the Akademik Lomonosov power barge currently deployed in Pevek, Chukotka. Read more…

Planning Center’s CEO speaks about challenges and opportunities in the Russian Arctic

Mikhail Kuznetsov, Manager of the Eastern State Planning Center, gave an interview on major issues and opportunities in the Russian High North. With average temperatures going up and permafrost thawing, a new reality emerges in the Arctic regions. This creates both new challenges and opportunities related to expansion and development in the Arctic. Read more…