Context-

The Arctic region serves as a critical indicator of global climate change, with temperatures rising at an alarming rate. Research stations within the Arctic, particularly those belonging to the International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring (INTERACT), play a crucial role in monitoring environmental conditions. However, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has disrupted access to data from Russian field stations, leading to significant challenges for scientists in accurately assessing climate change in the Arctic.

Impact of Invasion on Data Access

●       More than 1,000 billion tonnes of ice have been lost in the past four decades, according to one study, and not been accounted for. The Arctic region is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, as studies suggest. This rapid warming has profound consequences, including the melting of permafrost and rising sea levels, which can devastate local ecosystems and exacerbate climate change.

●       The invasion by Russia has impeded scientists' ability to collect crucial climate data, exacerbating the challenges already faced in Arctic research. This loss of access to Russian field stations, which contribute significantly to the International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT), has created a noticeable blind spot in the data flow, hindering global collaborations and biasing climate data analysis.

Projection of Future Changes

●       Using ESMs, researchers projected the state of ecosystem variables in 2100, finding that current biases in the estimation of these variables, post-excluding Russian data, mimic changes expected after 80 years of climate change. This underscores the critical role of Russian data in informing management, conservation strategies, and mitigation efforts against climate change impacts.

●       The lack of access to Russian data has led to a decline in the ability of scientists to inform management and conservation strategies effectively and to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change. This situation underscores the critical importance of safeguarding continuous observation networks and promoting the sharing of scientific data, even amidst challenging geopolitical circumstances..

Mitigating Biases and Ensuring Data Continuity

●       In the absence of Russian data, researchers suggest seeking data from other regions with similar environmental conditions, such as parts of northern Scandinavia and Canada, to partially counter biases. However, this solution is temporary and highlights the urgent need for global coordination, standardization of monitoring methods, and open-source data sharing to better understand current Arctic conditions and prepare for future changes.

●       Scientists conducting research in the Arctic already contend with harsh weather conditions and the occasional interference of polar bears, which can inadvertently damage instruments. The lack of data due to geopolitical conflicts further complicates their efforts, highlighting the broader impact of conflicts on scientific endeavors and knowledge acquisition.

●       Emphasizesing the importance of continuous data sharing, even during conflicts, to safeguard the integrity of scientific research and maintain a comprehensive observation network. Implementing protocols to ensure the uninterrupted flow of critical scientific data is essential, given the interconnectedness of countries in addressing climate change impacts.

Environmental Significance of Artic for Indian

●       Arctic-Himalaya Link: Despite their geographical distance, the Arctic and the Himalayas are interconnected and face similar challenges. The Arctic meltdown aids in understanding the glacial melt in the Himalayas, often termed the ‘third pole’, with the largest freshwater reserves after the North and South poles. India's scientific interest in the Arctic is evident through its inaugural expedition in 2007 and establishment of the Himadri research base in the Svalbard archipelago (Norway), demonstrating active engagement in Arctic research.

Recent Challenges Related to the Arctic Region:

●       Arctic Amplification: Rapid warming in the Arctic surpassing global averages exacerbates the release of carbon and methane from thawing permafrost, amplifying ice melt and accelerating Arctic warming.

●       Rising Sea Level Concern: Melting Arctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, heightening coastal erosion and storm surges, posing significant threats to India's extensive coastline and port cities. The World Meteorological Organization's 2021 report highlights that sea levels along the Indian coast are rising faster than the global average.

●       Emerging Race Course: The opening of Arctic shipping routes fuels a race for resource extraction, with geopolitical powers such as the US, China, and Russia vying for influence in the region.

●       Tundra Degradation: Increasing storms and wildfires degrade tundra ecosystems, particularly in Canada and Russia, leading to the transformation of tundra into swampy terrain and damaging permafrost.

●       Threat to Biodiversity: Diminishing sea ice and rising temperatures challenge the survival of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and fish species, prompting shifts in the Arctic food web and endangering diverse ecosystems.

Way Forward

●       Towards Global Ocean Treaty: It is important to place global ocean governance under scrutiny and make progress towards a collaborative global ocean treaty with special attention to polar regions and associated sea level rise challenges.

●       Safe and Sustainable Exploration: There is a need to promote safe and sustainable resource exploration and development in the arctic region, with efficient multilateral actions taking into account cumulative environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has significantly disrupted scientific research in the Arctic, particularly in accessing crucial climate data from Russian field stations. This disruption has led to biases in climate data, hindering scientists' ability to accurately track and describe Arctic changes. Collaborative efforts, standardization of monitoring methods, and continuous data sharing are essential to overcome these challenges and better understand the implications of climate change in the Arctic. Failure to address these issues may have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, communities, and global climate stability.

Source- The Hindu