Why in News?
The Arctic region is undergoing unprecedented environmental transformation due to rapid climate change.
What is the issue?
- Highest surface air temperature – According to the Arctic Report Card 2025 published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Arctic recorded the highest surface air temperatures in the last 125 years.
- The past ten years have been the warmest decade ever recorded in the Arctic region.
- Arctic ampification – Arctic warming is occurring at more than twice the global average rate, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
- Arctic Climate Crisis – Shrinking glaciers, rising ocean temperatures, and declining sea ice are key indicators of Arctic warming.
- The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s.
- March 2025 recorded the lowest maximum sea ice extent in the 47-year satellite observation record.
- June snow cover in the Arctic is now nearly 50% of what it was in the 1960s.
- Reduced snow and ice cover lowers the region’s albedo, leading to greater absorption of solar radiation.
- This process creates a positive feedback loop that accelerates further warming.
- Permafrost thaw releases iron, mercury, and toxic metals into rivers, a phenomenon described as “rusting rivers.”
- These changes degrade freshwater quality and disrupt Arctic ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods.
What are the impacts and consequences of Arctic Thaw?
- Ecological Consequences of Arctic Warming – Arctic warming is reshaping terrestrial and marine ecosystems at an unprecedented pace.
- Thawing permafrost destabilizes land surfaces and releases large quantities of greenhouse gases like methane.
- The process of Atlantification is introducing warmer Atlantic waters into the Arctic Ocean.
- Atlantification leads to increased ocean mixing, reduced sea ice formation, and altered circulation patterns.
- Rising ocean temperatures have increased phytoplankton productivity and chlorophyll concentration.
- While this may boost fisheries temporarily, it also disrupts established food chains.
- Wildlife species such as polar bears, seals, and Arctic birds face habitat loss and food scarcity.
- Indigenous communities experience threats to food security, traditional livelihoods, and cultural survival.
- Impact on Indian Monsoon – Arctic changes are not regionally confined and have far-reaching global climatic consequences.
- A 2024 study by India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) highlights Arctic influence on atmospheric circulation.
- Arctic warming affects Rossby waves and jet stream patterns in the Northern Hemisphere.
- These altered atmospheric patterns increase the unpredictability of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR).
- Variability in monsoon rainfall directly affects Indian agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods.
- Therefore, Arctic climate stability is closely linked to India’s domestic climate resilience.
What are the importance of Arctic region?
- The Arctic as a Geopolitical Hotspot – The Arctic covers nearly 4 % of the Earth’s surface and connects North America, Europe, and Asia.
- The region is governed primarily through the Arctic Council, which includes eight Arctic states.
- These states are the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Sweden, and Finland.
- The Arctic is estimated to hold significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals.
- Melting ice is making these resources increasingly accessible for exploration and exploitation.
- New maritime routes are emerging due to reduced ice cover.
- These developments have transformed the Arctic into a centre of strategic competition.
- Economic and Strategic Significance – The Northern Sea Route (NSR), also known as the Northeast Passage, connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean.
- Climate-induced ice retreat has made the NSR increasingly navigable for longer durations.
- The NSR can reduce travel distance between Eastern Asia and Europe by nearly 40% compared to the Suez Canal route.
- Reduced travel time lowers fuel costs, shipping duration, and carbon emissions.
- Russia views the NSR as a strategic asset for economic development and geopolitical leverage.
- Western sanctions on Russia have increased its reliance on Asian partners for NSR development.
- Infrastructure development along the NSR requires massive investment in ports, ice-breakers, and satellite navigation systems.
- China and Non-Arctic Actors in the Arctic – China declared itself a “near-Arctic state” in 2018.
- It launched the Polar Silk Road as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.
- China seeks access to Arctic shipping lanes, energy resources, and scientific influence.
- Other non-Arctic states, including India, Japan, and South Korea, are increasing their Arctic engagement.
- These countries advocate for the Arctic as a global commons accessible to all.
- However, increasing militarisation and geopolitical fragmentation threaten Arctic cooperation.
- Finland and Sweden joining NATO has further polarized Arctic geopolitics.
What is the India’s Arctic engagement?
- Historical and Institutional Foundations – India is a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty of 1920.
- India launched its first Arctic scientific expedition in 2007.
- The Himadri research station was established in Svalbard in 2008.
- India obtained Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013.
- Scientific research has remained the cornerstone of India’s Arctic presence.
- India released its Arctic Policy in 2022 to institutionalize its engagement.
- India’s Arctic Policy 2022 – Six Pillars
- Strengthening scientific research and international cooperation.
- Climate and environmental protection.
- Economic and human development.
- Transportation and connectivity.
- Governance and multilateral engagement.
- National capacity building in polar sciences.
- The policy reflects India’s balanced approach combining sustainability and strategic interests.
- India’s Strategic Interests in the Arctic – India seeks energy diversification and access to critical minerals through Arctic cooperation.
- Since 2021, India has supported infrastructure development along Russia’s Northern Sea Route.
- The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor became operational in 2024.
- This corridor reduces shipping time between India and Europe by nearly two weeks.
- India can leverage its experience in the Himalayas and Antarctica for Arctic research.
- Strengthening climate modelling and monsoon research is essential.
- Diplomatic engagement with all Arctic states is necessary to safeguard India’s interests.
- Cooperation between the “Third Pole” and the “North Pole” will shape the Arctic’s future.
What lies ahead?
- The Arctic thaw represents both a global climate emergency and a geopolitical inflection point.
- Environmental degradation in the Arctic has direct implications for global climate systems.
- Economic opportunities are expanding alongside strategic rivalries.
- India’s Arctic policy provides a comprehensive framework but requires sustained implementation.
- Scientific leadership, climate diplomacy, and strategic partnerships will define India’s Arctic role.
- A cooperative and rules-based Arctic order is essential for global climate stability.
Reference
The Indian Express| Arctic Thaw
