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spring not that far off

From итар-тасс came comment from the scientists on board polar drift station 37: they have passed the winter equinox, though in the darkness of the polar night they did not notice.  It is reported that they are now looking foward to the onset of spring - ’ Однако придает оптимизма участникам дрейфа то, что не за горами... Read More...

some russian news from copenhagen (or not)

Naturally, there are many stories about climate change and the Arctic now that the Copenhagen Conference has began. This report from the BBC’s Russian language service contains poll data and interviews that reflect the more Russian sceptical attitude towards the whole process. This rather tabloid looking source covers the issue of the hackers.  It quotes Phil Jones, from UEA, as stating... Read More...

problems navigating arctic ice

In a rather stark admission, мурманск B-port.com have a short article under the title, ‘Говорить о разработке арктического шельфа пока рано’ – i.e., talk of the development of the Arctic shelf is still too early.  The details are interesting.  I quote: it is possible to speak of the ”Titanic” effect. ... Read More...

british expertise at andreeva bay

Мурманск-вестник reported, as did the Barents Sea Observer, on the visit of Lord Hunt, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, to Andreeva Bay.  Read More →

russia’s arctic capacity – 25%, a mighty prospect!

With a good photograph to generate the right mood this article  by Анна Владимирова describes gazprom’s ambitious plans for the Yamal Peninsula.  The development of Yamal will enable the company, or so the claim is made, to control 25% of the world LNG market, using the NSR for access to Asia and Western Europe (presumably a very windy Britain) and the US simultaneously.  FORBES... Read More...

science, climate change and politics in the uk

Tony Blair, the EU Summit, the Milibands, climate change, Arctic Russia (and arcticrussia.com) - what do they all have in common? Simple - Tony Blair is telling bankers in New York that they can make money out of trading carbon credits. The UK Foreign Secretary and his brother are presenting information at the Science Museum in London making predictions about a warming Arctic while also... Read More...

what about the usa?

This report in Ивестия.py raises an awareness of the fundamentals of Russia’s Arctic policy in so far as it relates to the USA.  The author argues that, ‘Причем США Конвенцию ООН не ратифицировали – чтобы ничем не стеснять свои притязания’ – i.e., that the reason that the USA has not... Read More...

new energy order, with the help of norway?

K2 capital reported that a Norwegian oil and gas company are going to be key players in the development of new Russian fields in the Arctic.  Is it the case, therefore, that Norway are supporting what Medvedev called ‘the new energy order’.  This Russian commentator certainly thought so – ‘На нашей стороне может выступить Норвегия,... Read More...

arctic drift data

Мурманский вестник reports on the drift data – nine miles a day apparently.  Drift data was once described as ‘бесценный” – i.e., priceless. It is possible that the ‘price’of drift data is a function of its ability to assist ice-breakers manage the northern sea route, alongside satellite data.  The activities of polar... Read More...

russia no plans for arctic forces

This is stressed by Vyacheslav Popov, member of the Commission of Defence and Security,  in an article in мурманский вестник in anticipation of the opening of the Murmansk Economic Forum on the development of the Arctic in the 21st Century.  He argues that ‘что Арктика для России имеет стратегическое значение’... Read More...