For decades, the Arctic remained on the periphery of global attention. Today, it has become a focal point of international interest due to its unique ecosystem, vast natural resources, and strategic significance. Both Arctic states and the global community are closely monitoring developments in the region. However, the Arctic faces serious challenges that demand coordinated international efforts.
Temperatures in the Arctic are rising three times faster than the global average, driving profound changes. The most visible consequence is the accelerated melting of snow and ice, which disrupts local ecosystems and affects the global climate system. This contributes to rising sea levels and could trigger extreme weather events far beyond the Arctic. The environmental, economic, and social impacts of these changes are already being felt worldwide.
At the same time, major Arctic nations—including the United States, Russia, and Norway—are eager to capitalize on the region’s economic potential. This includes the extraction of hydrocarbon resources and the development of new shipping routes.
In late January 2025, newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to resume oil and gas extraction in Alaska’s protected lands. He stated that the reserves in these areas could meet the energy demands of the entire Asian market. An executive order to restart operations is expected soon.
Norway is also pushing forward with offshore exploration. Forecasts suggest that Arctic oil and gas production will reach a second peak between 2035 and 2037, driving emissions growth well into the 2040s. “These production trends signal an alarming disconnect between global climate commitments and the actual expansion of fossil fuel use,” said Elena Tracy, Senior Advisor for Sustainable Development at the WWF Global Arctic Program.
Meanwhile, in Russia, routine gas flaring has increased by 10%, and the development of the Northern Sea Route continues despite unprecedented sanctions. However, the rise in Arctic shipping also brings environmental risks. While Russia has introduced measures to comply with existing regulations and improve disaster response systems, concerns remain over the long-term ecological impact.
These developments underscore the urgent need for Arctic nations to work together to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. However, political tensions make cooperation increasingly difficult. Western sanctions against Russia have hindered international scientific collaboration, limiting access to crucial climate data.
According to recent reports, Western researchers have been deprived of vital information about Arctic climate change due to restrictions on working with Russian institutions. “Sanctions and limits on cooperation have undoubtedly disrupted joint environmental programs and data exchange. Without international scientific collaboration, it is difficult to form a complete picture of environmental changes in the Arctic,” said Inge Thaulow, Chair of the Arctic Council’s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) working group.
Despite these setbacks, Russian scientists continue to contribute to global climate research through UN-affiliated initiatives. The scientific community is striving to maintain engagement through academic studies and conferences. As the country with the longest Arctic coastline, Russia plays a crucial role in monitoring ecological changes in the region. Its national research institutions actively study climate dynamics, marine biodiversity, and permafrost conditions. While international collaboration has declined, Russia has expanded its environmental monitoring and conservation programs. “Efforts to clean up industrial waste in Arctic territories have led to significant progress in mitigating accumulated environmental damage, and the creation of protected areas continues to support biodiversity conservation,” Thaulow added.
Despite the formal suspension of most international partnerships with Russian research institutions, Western scientists continue to seek access to critical Arctic data. Official restrictions do not eliminate scientific necessity. Without contributions from Russian experts working in key areas of the region, it is impossible to fully understand climate processes and ecosystem changes. This paradox has created an unusual situation—while political rhetoric has halted cooperation, researchers are still informally finding ways to access Russian scientific findings.
Regardless of geopolitical tensions, the Arctic is undergoing profound transformations that require collective scientific efforts free from ideological barriers. It is imperative for Western policymakers to separate political disputes and sanctions from pragmatic cooperation in science and environmental protection. Without full data exchange, Russian scientific contributions, and coordination between governments and institutions, Arctic research will remain fragmented—undermining the accuracy of climate forecasts and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Restoring official dialogue in scientific collaboration is not a matter of politics—it is an environmental necessity dictated by the Arctic itself.
As climate change accelerates and environmental threats grow, the Arctic does not need politicized decisions—it needs rational, science-driven policies. As a key indicator of global warming and a crucial factor in regulating the Earth’s climate, the region cannot become a casualty of geopolitical rivalries. Now is the time to renew pragmatic cooperation—not for political gain, but for scientific integrity, sustainable development, and the preservation of the Arctic’s unique environment for future generations. Otherwise, the world may face a “cold Arctic vacuum” with unpredictable consequences.
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