Arctic News and Analysis
As climate change continues to affect the Arctic, including in Greenland, there is growing interest from many countries about the possibility of expanded resource extraction on the island. China has become a major player in potential mining projects, and recent further steps were taken by Chinese firms to engage in mining joint ventures. The planned… Continue reading New Article: ‘China Steps up Its Mining Interests in Greenland’
This week, the final report from a working group [In Finnish] assembled to gauge the viability of a railway system linking the far northern cities of Rovaneimi (Finland) and Kirkenes (Norway) suggested that, at present, such a link would not be financially workable. Although the report [pdf], issued by the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, was… Continue reading Unexpected Detour? An Arctic Railway Project Encounters Financial Obstacles
For much of North America, it was unnecessary to travel to the country’s polar region to experience Arctic weather, as snowstorms and extreme cold affected much of both Canada and the United States this week. In fact, Canada’s capital, Ottawa received the dubious distinction of being the world’s coldest capital city, beating out the usual suspects Moscow… Continue reading ‘Follow That Pole!’ The World’s Magnetic North Continues to Wander
This week may mark a turning point in the tumultuous process of finalising the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union when a long-delayed parliamentary vote is scheduled to take place on the exit deal proposed by the Conservative government of Theresa May. Even if the vote passes, which reports suggest is very unlikely,… Continue reading UK Arctic Policy after Brexit: What Might Change?
I was pleased to be interviewed by CNN on China's emerging Arctic strategies and how the far north is being connected to Beijing's expanding 'Belt and Road' initiative. 'With an Eye to Power and Profit, Beijing is Building Influence in the Arctic,' CNN, 30 December 2018.
