National Climate Change Policies and the future of Arctic Competition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemdss.2026.05.4.814Keywords:
National climate change policies, Diplomacy, Sovereignty, International relationsAbstract
The Arctic climate change environment is undergoing unprecedented change with significant environmental risks and opportunities for economic growth. This study focuses on the way in which these changes are being worked out by Norway and Russia in their respective National Climate Change Policy (NCCPs). Both of these countries see the fast changing Arctic, but have different priorities. Norway highly values the protection, control and reduction of environmental pollution and the active international cooperation, particularly in the Arctic Council. It believes in climate policy as a means of improving safety, sustainable use of the oceans and peaceful cooperation in the region. But Russia sees the melting ice as a strategic opportunity, with the main driver of its growth being economic development which is the main way to improve its influence in the region. It has been spending a lot on enhancing its control over the Northern Sea Route. This paper examines through a qualitative comparative analysis the official documents, laws, and policy statements from both countries. The study results indicate that the policies adopted in the Arctic have twofold benefits. They foster cooperation in science, safety and the environment, and they raise the stakes for competition over energy resources, shipping lanes, and political control. Research indicates that Arctic climate policy is not only an environmental question but an important way in which national interests can be safeguarded.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mamoona Bashir, Sivasegaran Nadarajan, Abdul Basit Noor, Uzma Nasir Cheema
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