Global warming has caused rapid warming in the Arctic region and continued melting of ice and snow, making Arctic shipping a reality and significantly increasing the navigability of the region’s sea routes. Between 1979 and 2018, the safe area for shipping in the Arctic increased by 35 %, sparking interest in new trade routes and exploitation of natural resources (Figure 1). However, increased shipping in the Arctic raises environmental concerns due to pollutants and other negative impacts that threaten the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
The impact of shipping in the Arctic is extensive, and three main areas stand out: on water bodies, atmospheric emissions, and animal survival.
Impacts on water bodies include pollution from anti-fouling paints, which release copper and microplastics that affect the growth and survival of marine life, inhibit reproduction, and cause deformities. In addition, oil spills pollute coastlines and beaches, affecting animal health, reproductive cycles and mobility, leading to the death of many species. Introducing non-native species (NNS) leads to loss of biodiversity and local extinctions. Sewage discharges also lead to pollution, depletion of dissolved oxygen, red tides and toxicological effects on the Arctic ecosystem.
Impacts on atmospheric emissions encompass air pollution and changes in atmospheric composition due to ship emissions, which disrupt radiative forcing (RF), accelerate Arctic warming, cause acid rain, and eutrophication of seawater.
Impacts on animal survival involve noise pollution, which disrupts Arctic animals’ communication, altering behavioural patterns and potentially causing temporary or permanent hearing loss. Light pollution disrupts the orientation of marine animals and causes collisions, especially between birds.
To mitigate these negative impacts, it is essential to adopt technical and operational solutions for ships, as well as to formulate stricter standards and rules for Arctic shipping activities.
Reference: Xinli Qi, Zhenfu Li, Changping Zhao, Qiqi Zhang, Yutao Zhou, Environmental impacts of Arctic shipping activities: A review, Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 247, 2024, 106936, ISSN 0964-5691
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2023.106936
Author: Rita Quelha
