natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
This brings me to the first of the three drivers for change in the Arctic: climate change.
This brings me to the first of the three drivers for change in the Arctic: climate change.
In September of 2010, the whole of the North West Passage off Canada was ice free, compared to only five years earlier [– as you can see here in this picture].
In September of 2010, the whole of the North West Passage off Canada was ice free, compared to only five years earlier [– as you can see here in this picture].
I am aware that a time span of only five years is too small to give a definitive indication of the developments in the Arctic, but we all see the tendency – of what has happened in the span of the five years since I became Norway’s foreign minister in 2005.
I am aware that a time span of only five years is too small to give a definitive indication of the developments in the Arctic, but we all see the tendency – of what has happened in the span of the five years since I became Norway’s foreign minister in 2005.
Since the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report was released in 2004, several indicators have shown that climate change in the Arctic is happening faster than previously anticipated.
Since the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report was released in 2004, several indicators have shown that climate change in the Arctic is happening faster than previously anticipated.
There is good cause for worry – because the scientific findings show that we may be at a tipping point.
There is good cause for worry – because the scientific findings show that we may be at a tipping point.
The annual mean temperature in the Arctic has been rising almost twice as quickly as in the rest of the world.
The annual mean temperature in the Arctic has been rising almost twice as quickly as in the rest of the world.
We have witnessed the spectacular retreat and collapse of ice shelves.
We have witnessed the spectacular retreat and collapse of ice shelves.
In the Arctic, the landscape is changing at a dramatic pace, posing serious challenges to the livelihoods of indigenous peoples like the Inuit.
In the Arctic, the landscape is changing at a dramatic pace, posing serious challenges to the livelihoods of indigenous peoples like the Inuit.
This has an impact on infrastructure, and even more importantly, on the possibility of catching fish and seal, which are migrating to new areas in response to environmental changes.
This has an impact on infrastructure, and even more importantly, on the possibility of catching fish and seal, which are migrating to new areas in response to environmental changes.
We also see increased concentration of mercury and more intense UV radiation in the Arctic, causing health challenges that must be taken seriously.
We also see increased concentration of mercury and more intense UV radiation in the Arctic, causing health challenges that must be taken seriously.
The health of indigenous peoples in the Arctic is of course of importance.
The health of indigenous peoples in the Arctic is of course of importance.
We should also bear in mind the challenges of indigenous peoples who – due to climate change – could be forced to change their way of life and adapt to a new environment.
We should also bear in mind the challenges of indigenous peoples who – due to climate change – could be forced to change their way of life and adapt to a new environment.
The dramatic changes in the Arctic are no doubt having important global effects, although scientists disagree on how strong the linkages are.
The dramatic changes in the Arctic are no doubt having important global effects, although scientists disagree on how strong the linkages are.
But we do know that the melting of the polar ice cap, including the vast Greenland ice sheet, will lead to a rise in sea levels.
But we do know that the melting of the polar ice cap, including the vast Greenland ice sheet, will lead to a rise in sea levels.
In addition, the loss of sea ice will accelerate global warming.
In addition, the loss of sea ice will accelerate global warming.
They will have major consequences and have dramatic effects on livelihoods, not only for the ecological regimes in the Arctic, but also on a global scale.
They will have major consequences and have dramatic effects on livelihoods, not only for the ecological regimes in the Arctic, but also on a global scale.
We therefore feel a particular responsibility for staying at the forefront of climate and polar research.
We therefore feel a particular responsibility for staying at the forefront of climate and polar research.
How can we address the challenges posed by climate change in the Arctic?
How can we address the challenges posed by climate change in the Arctic?
First, we have enough knowledge to act, but we still need more knowledge.
First, we have enough knowledge to act, but we still need more knowledge.
The Arctic and Antarctic are still among the areas of the world that we know least about.
The Arctic and Antarctic are still among the areas of the world that we know least about.
But we know one thing: science is the key to gaining greater understanding.
But we know one thing: science is the key to gaining greater understanding.
When polar scientists from all over the world were gathered at Lillestrøm, outside Oslo, in June last year to conclude the International Polar Year, they concluded that we know quite a lot about the polar areas, but that we also need to bridge certain knowledge gaps.
When polar scientists from all over the world were gathered at Lillestrøm, outside Oslo, in June last year to conclude the International Polar Year, they concluded that we know quite a lot about the polar areas, but that we also need to bridge certain knowledge gaps.
One of these gaps was identified in the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, namely the lack data on Arctic health.
One of these gaps was identified in the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, namely the lack data on Arctic health.
It has been a priority for the Norwegian Government to support the gathering of information on the effects of climate change on human health in the Arctic, both nationally under the auspices of the Arctic Council.
It has been a priority for the Norwegian Government to support the gathering of information on the effects of climate change on human health in the Arctic, both nationally under the auspices of the Arctic Council.
I very much welcome the Danish chairmanship’s plans for an Arctic Council Health Minister meeting in February this year.
I very much welcome the Danish chairmanship’s plans for an Arctic Council Health Minister meeting in February this year.
It is difficult to deliver global responses to global challenges.
It is difficult to deliver global responses to global challenges.
We left Copenhagen disappointed in December 2009.
We left Copenhagen disappointed in December 2009.
However, important progress was made at the UN Climate Conference in Cancun in December last year.
However, important progress was made at the UN Climate Conference in Cancun in December last year.
The goal of keeping the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius was consolidated.
The goal of keeping the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius was consolidated.
In addition, new institutions and a green climate fund will be established to finance climate mitigation and adaption in developing countries.
In addition, new institutions and a green climate fund will be established to finance climate mitigation and adaption in developing countries.
We also made significant progress on specific topics, such as a mechanism to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) - one of Norway’s key priorities in our international efforts to combat climate change.
We also made significant progress on specific topics, such as a mechanism to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) - one of Norway’s key priorities in our international efforts to combat climate change.
CO2 emissions are the most important contribution to climate change and melting of ice and snow in the Arctic.
CO2 emissions are the most important contribution to climate change and melting of ice and snow in the Arctic.
But we must also take into account the short-lived climate forcers, which may prove to have significant impacts on the climate, like black carbon and methane.
But we must also take into account the short-lived climate forcers, which may prove to have significant impacts on the climate, like black carbon and methane.
Regional cooperation bodies like the Arctic Council, the Northern Dimension and the Barents Cooperation are important for addressing the specific climate challenges in the Arctic.
Regional cooperation bodies like the Arctic Council, the Northern Dimension and the Barents Cooperation are important for addressing the specific climate challenges in the Arctic.
I am very happy to see that these regional bodies are contributing actively to putting Arctic climate change on the global agenda.
I am very happy to see that these regional bodies are contributing actively to putting Arctic climate change on the global agenda.
The Arctic Council has led the efforts on short-lived climate forcers through various concrete projects.
The Arctic Council has led the efforts on short-lived climate forcers through various concrete projects.
The US and Norway are currently heading a task force on short-lived climate forcers within the Arctic Council.
The US and Norway are currently heading a task force on short-lived climate forcers within the Arctic Council.
The regional bodies also play an important role in harmonising guidelines for increased human activity in the Arctic as well as engaging the International Maritime Organization in establishing a new legally binding Polar Code on shipping in these harsh and environmentally challenging and vulnerable waters.
The regional bodies also play an important role in harmonising guidelines for increased human activity in the Arctic as well as engaging the International Maritime Organization in establishing a new legally binding Polar Code on shipping in these harsh and environmentally challenging and vulnerable waters.
I am also pleased to note that the members of the Arctic Council are about to agree on a legally binding search and rescue agreement for the Arctic.
I am also pleased to note that the members of the Arctic Council are about to agree on a legally binding search and rescue agreement for the Arctic.
Cooperation between Arctic states is on the rise.
Cooperation between Arctic states is on the rise.
And the best illustration of this spirit of cooperation may perhaps be found in the bilateral relations between Norway and Russia – which brings me to the second driver for change in the Arctic: the change in our relations with Russia.
And the best illustration of this spirit of cooperation may perhaps be found in the bilateral relations between Norway and Russia – which brings me to the second driver for change in the Arctic: the change in our relations with Russia.
More than a hundred years ago, Stepan Makarov, the Russian admiral who had the world’s first icebreaker built, said that “Russia is a building facing north.”
More than a hundred years ago, Stepan Makarov, the Russian admiral who had the world’s first icebreaker built, said that “Russia is a building facing north.”
Russia is the largest Arctic state.
Russia is the largest Arctic state.
A glance at the map suffices to see that half of the Arctic coastline belongs to Russia.
A glance at the map suffices to see that half of the Arctic coastline belongs to Russia.
Well over half of Russia’s proven natural resources are located in the Arctic.
Well over half of Russia’s proven natural resources are located in the Arctic.
Today this is happening.
Today this is happening.
The agreement between Russia and Norway on maritime delimitation and cooperation, signed in Murmansk on 15 September last year, is based on the well-established legal framework that is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The agreement between Russia and Norway on maritime delimitation and cooperation, signed in Murmansk on 15 September last year, is based on the well-established legal framework that is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
And after 40 years of negotiations, we have now agreed on the boundary between our zones and continental shelves in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
And after 40 years of negotiations, we have now agreed on the boundary between our zones and continental shelves in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
The agreement must be ratified by the two countries’ parliaments, the Duma and the Storting, before it can enter into force.
The agreement must be ratified by the two countries’ parliaments, the Duma and the Storting, before it can enter into force.
Hopefully we will have the necessary parliamentary approval very soon.
Hopefully we will have the necessary parliamentary approval very soon.
Then we can safely say this: Norway and Russia have land borders from 1826.
Then we can safely say this: Norway and Russia have land borders from 1826.
And a sea border from 2010.
And a sea border from 2010.
What was once a frozen region in more than one sense is warming up to the prospects of reaping mutual benefits through cooperation and agreements.
What was once a frozen region in more than one sense is warming up to the prospects of reaping mutual benefits through cooperation and agreements.
The Russian-Norwegian border was where East met West during the Cold War.
The Russian-Norwegian border was where East met West during the Cold War.
For 70 years – until 20 years ago – this border was practically closed.
For 70 years – until 20 years ago – this border was practically closed.
Today that is history.
Today that is history.
In 1990 there were only 3000 border crossings between Russia and Norway.
In 1990 there were only 3000 border crossings between Russia and Norway.
In 2010 more than 140 000 people crossed the border.
In 2010 more than 140 000 people crossed the border.
We have come a long way in making the border more of a bridge than a barrier between our peoples – and we are working together with Russian authorities to facilitate cross-border activities even further.
We have come a long way in making the border more of a bridge than a barrier between our peoples – and we are working together with Russian authorities to facilitate cross-border activities even further.
Last November in Oslo, foreign minister Lavrov and I signed an agreement on a local border traffic regime.
Last November in Oslo, foreign minister Lavrov and I signed an agreement on a local border traffic regime.
Our aim is to simplify travel for border residents, and the agreement will facilitate increased contact between Norway and Russia.
Our aim is to simplify travel for border residents, and the agreement will facilitate increased contact between Norway and Russia.
This is an important step towards opening the border area for even closer contact and cooperation between our two countries.
This is an important step towards opening the border area for even closer contact and cooperation between our two countries.
Let me also add to this picture that in September last year we opened a consulate in Arkhangelsk, reflecting our commitment to further developing the ties between us.
Let me also add to this picture that in September last year we opened a consulate in Arkhangelsk, reflecting our commitment to further developing the ties between us.
Increased cooperation will provide greater opportunities for economic development in the Arctic – which brings me to the third driver for change in this region: increasing exploitation of resources and increasing transport.
Increased cooperation will provide greater opportunities for economic development in the Arctic – which brings me to the third driver for change in this region: increasing exploitation of resources and increasing transport.
Both will have to be managed in a sustainable way if we are to succeed in developing the Arctic.
Both will have to be managed in a sustainable way if we are to succeed in developing the Arctic.
Promoting sustainable development of offshore petroleum and renewable marine resources is a key element of the Norwegian High North strategy.
Promoting sustainable development of offshore petroleum and renewable marine resources is a key element of the Norwegian High North strategy.
Climate change in the Arctic represents a dilemma: On the one hand there are no doubt serious negative implications of global warming that we must fight.
Climate change in the Arctic represents a dilemma: On the one hand there are no doubt serious negative implications of global warming that we must fight.
On the other hand, it is important to recognise that global warming will lead to increased activity in the Arctic.
On the other hand, it is important to recognise that global warming will lead to increased activity in the Arctic.
You have put it this way in the conference programme: “Less ice, easier access”.
You have put it this way in the conference programme: “Less ice, easier access”.
Retreating ice opens up new commercial opportunities for shipping and petroleum activities.
Retreating ice opens up new commercial opportunities for shipping and petroleum activities.
Many look to the High North and the Arctic for new business opportunities as the ice retreats.
Many look to the High North and the Arctic for new business opportunities as the ice retreats.
Petroleum and shipping activities will increase.
Petroleum and shipping activities will increase.
A journey from Yokohama to Rotterdam via the Northeast Passage is about 40% shorter than the route via the Suez Canal.
A journey from Yokohama to Rotterdam via the Northeast Passage is about 40% shorter than the route via the Suez Canal.
This provides huge potential for cost reductions although there are also big challenges from the harsh climate.
This provides huge potential for cost reductions although there are also big challenges from the harsh climate.
As regards energy, the Arctic could be home to much of the world’s remaining energy resources.
As regards energy, the Arctic could be home to much of the world’s remaining energy resources.
According to US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates, undiscovered recoverable petroleum resources in the Arctic could amount to as much as 22% of the world’s total.
According to US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates, undiscovered recoverable petroleum resources in the Arctic could amount to as much as 22% of the world’s total.
However, let me add that there is great uncertainty attached to these estimates.
However, let me add that there is great uncertainty attached to these estimates.
The extraction of petroleum resources in the Arctic may increase steadily as the world’s demand for oil and gas is growing.
The extraction of petroleum resources in the Arctic may increase steadily as the world’s demand for oil and gas is growing.
At the end of last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that world demand for energy will increase by 40% by 2030.
At the end of last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that world demand for energy will increase by 40% by 2030.
Our responsibility as politicians is to make sure that this new economic development does not jeopardise the future of this region.
Our responsibility as politicians is to make sure that this new economic development does not jeopardise the future of this region.
That is why we need to agree on a new binding Polar Code that regulates shipping in Arctic waters.
That is why we need to agree on a new binding Polar Code that regulates shipping in Arctic waters.
That is also why we need a new legally binding search and rescue agreement.
That is also why we need a new legally binding search and rescue agreement.
And not least, that is why science and knowledge are key in order to secure sustainable development in the Arctic.
And not least, that is why science and knowledge are key in order to secure sustainable development in the Arctic.
New industrial development in the High North will not only take place offshore.
New industrial development in the High North will not only take place offshore.
There is a huge potential also for new onshore activity in connection with the petroleum industry.
There is a huge potential also for new onshore activity in connection with the petroleum industry.
We see promising activities such as marine bio-prospecting, and also the development of a mineral industry that can be closer linked to world markets through the Northeast Passage.
We see promising activities such as marine bio-prospecting, and also the development of a mineral industry that can be closer linked to world markets through the Northeast Passage.
It is important that we make good use of these opportunities, but at the same time make sure that we do so in a sustainable way and using cutting-edge technology.
It is important that we make good use of these opportunities, but at the same time make sure that we do so in a sustainable way and using cutting-edge technology.
Such technology is for example being used in the EISCAT and SIOS projects in Svalbard, which have been set up to monitor the environment and climate change.
Such technology is for example being used in the EISCAT and SIOS projects in Svalbard, which have been set up to monitor the environment and climate change.
In Norway, we have good experience of ensuring that commercial activities comply with environmental standards.
In Norway, we have good experience of ensuring that commercial activities comply with environmental standards.
Through our integrated management plans (Integrated Ocean Management) we make sure that resources are harvested in a sustainable way in the sea areas off the Norwegian coast.
Through our integrated management plans (Integrated Ocean Management) we make sure that resources are harvested in a sustainable way in the sea areas off the Norwegian coast.
When the Government presented its High North strategy in 2006, we made knowledge the top priority.
When the Government presented its High North strategy in 2006, we made knowledge the top priority.
In September last year the new Fram Centre for environment and climate research was established in Tromsø.
In September last year the new Fram Centre for environment and climate research was established in Tromsø.
This centre will strengthen the city of Tromsø’s role as a leading polar research capital.
This centre will strengthen the city of Tromsø’s role as a leading polar research capital.
Before the summer, the Government will present a white paper on the Norwegian High North and Arctic policy.
Before the summer, the Government will present a white paper on the Norwegian High North and Arctic policy.
Although the region is changing at a very fast pace, three objectives remain the same:
Although the region is changing at a very fast pace, three objectives remain the same:
preserving peace, predictability and stability in the High North,
preserving peace, predictability and stability in the High North,
ensuring sustainable management and development of natural resources,
ensuring sustainable management and development of natural resources,
international cooperation to meet common challenges in the Arctic.
international cooperation to meet common challenges in the Arctic.
Knowledge is the key to reaching these objectives – I would like to stress this here today once again.
Knowledge is the key to reaching these objectives – I would like to stress this here today once again.
I hope that this year’s Arctic Frontiers conference will be a tipping point in the exchange of knowledge and interaction between us all - in a way that ensures the best possible development of the High North.
I hope that this year’s Arctic Frontiers conference will be a tipping point in the exchange of knowledge and interaction between us all - in a way that ensures the best possible development of the High North.
For it is a region of which we are not only owners – we are its keepers for future generations as well.
For it is a region of which we are not only owners – we are its keepers for future generations as well.
State of the Arctic – Challenges Ahead
State of the Arctic – Challenges Ahead