Search Results (118)

This review provides the recent advancements in nonlinear sea ice modeling for hydroelastic analysis of ice-covered channels and their interaction with floating structures. It surveys theoretical, experimental, and numerical methodologies used to analyze complex coupled sea ice–structure interactions. The paper discusses governing fluid domain solutions, fluid–ice interaction mechanisms, and ice–structure (ship) contact models, alongside experimental techniques and various numerical models. While significant progress has been made, particularly with coupled approaches validated by experimental data, challenges remain in full-scale validation and accurately representing ice properties and dynamic interactions. Findings highlight the increasing importance of understanding sea ice interactions, particularly in the context of climate change, Arctic transportation, and the development of very large floating structures. This review serves as a crucial resource for advancing safe and sustainable Arctic and offshore engineering. Full article

Projected changes in outdoor environmental conditions are expected to significantly alter building energy demand across the United States. Yet, policymakers and designers lack typology and climate-zone-specific guidance to support long-term planning. We simulated 10 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prototype buildings across all 16 ASHRAE climate zones with EnergyPlus. Future weather files generated in Meteonorm from a CMIP6 ensemble reflected two emissions pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) and two planning horizons (2050 and 2080), producing 800 simulations. Envelope parameters and schedules were held at DOE reference values to isolate the pure climate signal. Results show that cooling energy use intensity (EUI) in very hot-humid Zones 1A–2A climbs by 12% for full-service restaurants and 21% for medium offices by 2080 under RCP 8.5, while heating EUI in sub-arctic Zone 8 falls by 14–20%. Hospitals and large hotels change by < 6%, showing resilience linked to high internal gains. A simple linear-regression meta-model (R² > 0.90) links baseline EUI to future percentage change, enabling rapid screening of vulnerable stock without further simulation. These high-resolution maps supply actionable targets for state code updates, retrofit prioritization, and long-term decarbonization planning to support climate adaptation and sustainable development. Full article

Electricity in rural Alaska is provided by more than 200 standalone microgrid systems powered predominantly by diesel generators. Incorporating renewable energy generation and storage to these systems can reduce their reliance on costly imported fuel and improve sustainability; however, uncertainty remains about optimal grid architectures to minimize cost, including how and when to incorporate long-duration energy storage. This study implements a novel, multi-pronged approach to assess the techno-economic feasibility of future energy pathways in the community of Kotzebue, which has already successfully deployed solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. Using real community load, resource, and generation data, we develop a series of comparison models using the HOMER Pro software tool to evaluate microgrid architectures to meet over 90% of the annual community electricity demand with renewable generation, considering both battery and hydrogen energy storage. We find that near-term planned capacity expansions in the community could enable over 50% renewable generation and reduce the total cost of energy. Additional build-outs to reach 75% renewable generation are shown to be competitive with current costs, but further capacity expansion is not currently economical. We additionally include a cost sensitivity analysis and a storage capacity sizing assessment that suggest hydrogen storage may be economically viable if battery costs increase, but large-scale seasonal storage via hydrogen is currently unlikely to be cost-effective nor practical for the region considered. While these findings are based on data and community priorities in Kotzebue, we expect this approach to be relevant to many communities in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions working to improve energy reliability, sustainability, and security. Full article

Due to global warming, ozone depletion and their ramifications on the Arctic and Antarctic snowscapes, there has been an incentivized drive towards net zero-carbon emission policies by several countries. These policies extend to several sectors, including several manufacturing and processing industries and transportation, which are a few of their notable stakeholders. In the transportation sector, this journey towards net zero-carbon emissions is aided by the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to their zero-carbon emissions during operation. However, they might have zero running emissions, but they do have emissions when charging through conventional sources. This research paper looks at the carbon emissions produced by both electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles during their operational stages and compares them based on a 200,000 km driving range, battery manufacturing emissions and different power production alternatives to draw up some very important recommendations. The analysis presented in this paper helps in drawing conclusions and proposes ideas which, when included in transport policies, will help curb global warming and eventually lead to the sustainable development of the transport sector. The analysis in this study shows that the emissions needed to produce a single battery unit have increased by approximately 258.7% with the change in battery production locations. Furthermore, charging EVs with a fossil-fuel-dominated grid has shown an increase in emissions of 17.98% compared to the least emissive ICE car considered in the study. Finally, policy update recommendations which are essential for the sustainable development of the transport sector are discussed. Full article

The Arctic is undergoing unprecedented transformations with implications for regional ecosystems, Indigenous communities, and global climate systems. Ocean heat transport, permafrost thawing, and ice–albedo interactions are some of the feedback mechanisms that contribute to the increase in average temperatures in the Arctic. These processes increase the risks associated with climate change globally by speeding up the loss of sea ice, changes in biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. This review synthesises recent advances in Arctic climate science, focusing on the drivers and feedback mechanisms of Arctic amplification, its cascading impacts on ecosystems and socioeconomic systems, and emerging governance challenges. It highlights critical knowledge gaps, specifically regarding the importance of Indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches in climate adaptation strategies. This study emphasises the need for inclusive, transformative, and collaborative approaches by analysing governance frameworks, climate policies, and community resilience initiatives. Innovative adaptation strategies are suggested, such as ecosystem-based adaptations, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the switch to renewable energy to address these issues. Arctic-specific governance recommendations are proposed to develop sustainable solutions that preserve its ecology while reducing its global effects by filling research gaps and promoting international collaboration. The future of the Arctic is not merely a regional issue but also a global one, requiring swift and coordinated action to address climate challenges. Full article

The urban landscape of the Russian Arctic, shaped during the Soviet era of extensive urbanization, embeds narratives of colonial appropriation and serves as the foundation for ongoing urban development. In light of climatic, political, and social uncertainties, design disciplines must navigate the balance between environmental sustainability and the varied needs of residents, requiring a systemic approach to design. This study combines theoretical analysis with qualitative field research conducted in two Western Siberian cities (Novyy Urengoy and Tarko-Sale), including interviews, mental mapping, and systematic observation of urban life. Analysis of the collected data revealed significant challenges in current urban design practices, particularly regarding weather protection, seasonal adaptation, and social space creation. The proposed model constitutes a pioneering initiative in domestic Arctic urban research, aiming to conceptualize a context-sensitive approach to urban environmental formation, thereby challenging prevalent universal/mainstream methodologies and establishing a theoretical framework for future applications. Our theoretical model synthesizes representations, perceptions, and materiality, conceptualizing the architectural environment as a context-sensitive “life-support module”. This conceptualization emphasizes that successful Arctic urban design must emerge from specific local contexts rather than universal solutions, as demonstrated by our analysis of residents’ spatial practices and adaptations to extreme conditions. We reference media studies to analyze urban materiality as both an artificial construct that mediates perceptions of the immediate surroundings and as a generative force that actively shapes meanings, practices, and sensations. Our findings indicate that current standardized approaches to Arctic urban development often fail to address local needs and environmental conditions, suggesting the necessity for a fundamental shift in design methodology. Given that the urban realm is a fundamental component in shaping individual and collective perceptions, this conceptual shift has the potential to significantly influence prevailing societal views of the “empty” and “hostile” Arctic. Full article

The Arctic region is known for its harsh and remote environment. Some of the significant system problems in that region include solving communication issues and building a high-capacity terrestrial infrastructure. This study presents an innovative solution leveraging SWARM Technologies’ low-bandwidth satellite connectivity, Sustainable Distributed Cloud Infrastructure (HIVE) cloud, and devices that are used to develop an automated system for data transfer over any distance without reliance on the Internet. Using this technology, we constructed a solution that integrates SWARM devices with Amazon Web Services (AWS), utilizing an Application Programming Interface (API) for automated notification handling, data storage, and other key functionalities. This paper presented an innovative approach utilizing AWS and the HIVE cloud for easy communication and data transfer between the SWARM device and scientists around the world. This research will help provide a cost-effective method to address the issue of collecting and transferring any type of small data without the Internet in isolated areas like the Arctic region. Full article

This study aims to establish a scientific and methodological basis for predicting shoreline positions using modern data analysis and machine learning techniques. The focus area is a 5 km section of the Ural coast along Baydaratskaya Bay in the Kara Sea. This region was selected due to its diverse geomorphological features, varied lithological composition, and significant presence of permafrost processes, all contributing to complex patterns of shoreline change. Applying advanced data analysis methods, including correlation and factor analysis, enables the identification of natural signs that highlight areas of active coastal retreat. These insights are valuable in arctic development planning, as they help to recognize zones at the highest risk of significant shoreline transformation. The erosion process can be conceptualized as comprising two primary components to construct a predictive model for coastal retreat. The first is a random variable that encapsulates the effects of local structural changes in the coastline alongside fluctuations due to climatic conditions. This component can be statistically characterized to define a confidence interval for natural variability. The second component represents a systematic shift, which reflects regular changes in average shoreline positions over time. This systematic component is more suited to predictive modeling. Thus, modern information processing methods allow us to move from descriptive to numerical assessments of the dynamics of coastal processes. The goal is ultimately to support responsible and sustainable development in the highly sensitive arctic region. Full article

Black carbon, a short-lived climate forcer, has the dual impact of intensifying global warming and polluting the atmosphere. The further opening of Arctic shipping routes has resulted in a severe issue of black carbon emissions in this fragile region. The use of fuel, especially heavy fuel oil, in international shipping has generated enormous black carbon emissions, posing a serious threat to the climate in the Arctic and beyond. As the international community continues to pay attention to air pollution control and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the need for effective global governance of black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping has become increasingly evident. This issue has emerged as a critical part of the broader effort to address ocean and climate governance through the lens of international law. Despite the efforts made by both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Arctic Council (AC) to reduce black carbon emissions, the current international legal framework remains fragmented, with weak enforcement mechanisms and limited capacity for coordinated governance. The findings of this research underscore the importance of strengthening international legal instruments aimed at reducing black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping. In particular, there is a pressing need for the development of a dedicated international treaty with enhanced binding force to mitigate the ecological degradation in the Arctic, address global warming, and realize sustainable development goals. Full article

The availability of natural resources drives the exploration and transformation of remote regions in the Arctic and beyond. Extractive infrastructure is one of the major sources of industrial development and environmental impact on landscapes. For Indigenous people, these landscapes are homely environments full of sentient beings, and for other local communities, they provide a wide variety of subsistence and hunting resources. While extractive infrastructure violence is the evident issue for many Indigenous communities, there are more complicated situations where extractive infrastructure is adopted and utilized for the subsistence and support of other human and more-than-human relations in local and Indigenous communities. Based on materials from interviews and observations with Evenki communities in Eastern Siberia in 2013–2021, the authors discuss the complex relations and sustainability issues entangled around infrastructure objects’ creation, use, maintenance, and transformations. The results demonstrate a wide variety of relations between obshchinas (non-governmental organizations of Indigenous peoples) and extractive companies constructed with infrastructure development of the latter. The paper discusses the shortcomings of the top-down approach in infrastructure planning and the need for contextualization and meaningful engagement with affected communities, some examples of which have already taken place in specific locales. The study concludes by calling for the support of environmentally and socially just infrastructure defined by Indigenous people and local communities as a way to increase sustainability. Full article

Amidst the backdrop of growing great power competition, heightened United States presence via military bases has manifested in the Arctic. However, the then design and implementation have hampered the resilience of these bases in a region warming at nearly four times the rate of the rest of the globe. Two-thirds of the United States’ 79 military bases in the Arctic remain underprepared against permafrost thaw and rising sea levels despite rampant calls for sustainable strategies. Damages emanating from climate-related failures will continue to cost the U.S. billions of dollars and render crucial infrastructure unusable. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive literature review of the extent of Arctic warming and its significance for U.S. bases, the negative implications of military infrastructure deterioration, and methods to adapt both existing and forthcoming bases to a rapidly warming atmosphere. Eighty published papers that directly or indirectly referenced U.S. military bases or climate-oriented engineering in the aforementioned contexts were identified and analyzed over a 20-year period from 2004 to 2024. The literature review concludes that warming concerns were often not taken into much account by civil engineers during initial base construction, an oversight that now jeopardizes runways, docks, and highways. Other nations that have a sizeable footprint in the Arctic Circle, such as Canada and Russia, have demonstrated progress by utilizing pile-driven substructures, thawing permafrost before construction, and ventilated crawlspaces. Alternative solutions, such as cooling permafrost via thermosiphons or refrigeration systems, employing spatially oriented foundations composed of specific materials, and preventative measures such as floodwalls and revetments, have also shown considerable promise in simulations and practice. A table illustrating a holistic literature summary of sustainable strategies to current conditions and climate change at U.S. Military Bases in the Arctic region is also developed. Modeling successful engineering concepts and incorporating existing innovations into military infrastructure should be at the forefront of the United States’ sustainable policy. Full article

Arctic city mayors influence municipal sustainability outcomes, navigating decisions on waste management, social service funding, and economic development. How do mayors make these decisions and to what extent do they integrate sustainability indicator data? Interviews with the mayors of Fairbanks, Alaska, Yellowknife, Canada, and Luleå, Sweden, revealed indicators are used on a case-by-case basis to track trends but lack systematic integration into decision-making. Constituent concerns drive agendas rather than indicator trends. Based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines, 128 indicators grouped into 19 sustainability themes were compiled from 2000 to 2019 for the study cities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the utility of ISO indicators as a guiding factor for sustainability trend tracking, identifying key themes for each city. Results show that indicator trends are too inconsistent and interconnected to be useful as an independent form of guidance for mayors. For Arctic municipalities, sustainability indicator datasets are useful in specific circumstances, but they do not provide the same kind of decision-making heuristic that mayors receive from direct constituent interaction. Findings emphasize the importance of more robust data collection and the development of management frameworks that support sustainability decision-making in Arctic cities. Full article

Aerosol and aerosol-cloud radiation interactions significantly influence Earth’s radiative balance, hydrological cycle, global monsoons, atmospheric circulation, and climate, attracting substantial scientific attention. This study employs bibliometric and quantitative trend analyses to evaluate the development, knowledge structure, and research trends in aerosol and aerosol-cloud radiation interactions from 1999 to 2023 using Web of Science Core Collection data. Results reveal a consistent increase in publications and citations, indicating sustained attention in this field. The USA and China are identified as the most prolific countries, with significant contributions from institutions like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. However, while the USA shows a recent decline in growth, China has demonstrated a significant upward trend in research contributions. Productive journals include Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, with prolific authors such as Babu S. Suresh and Li Zhanqing. A co-occurrence analysis of keywords identifies research topics focused on aerosol optical properties, aerosol types, aerosol radiation interactions, and aerosol-cloud interactions. Emerging trends emphasize advanced methodologies such as remote sensing, model simulation, and artificial intelligence, with growing attention to regions like the Southern Ocean and the Arctic. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for researchers, identifying knowledge gaps and guiding future research directions in aerosol and aerosol-cloud radiation interactions, which are crucial for understanding their climatic and atmospheric impacts. Full article

Along the Arctic and sub-Arctic coasts of Alaska, Siberia, north-eastern China, Hokkaido, Scandinavia and Iceland, people have dressed in clothes or worn shoes made of fish skin for millennia. (Within this article, the terms fish skin and fish leather are used to indicate different processes of the same material. Fish skin: Skin indicates the superficial dermis of an animal. Fish skin is referred to as the historical raw material that is tanned following traditional methods such as mechanical, oiling and smoking tanning, using materials such as bark, brain, urine, fish eggs and corn flour. Fish leather is used to refer that the fish skin has passed one or more stages of industrial vegetable or chrome tanning production and is ready to be used to produce leather goods). These items are often decorated with a rich colour palette of natural dyes provided by nature. In this study, minerals and raw materials of plant origin were collected from riverbanks and processed by Arctic seamstresses who operated as designers, biochemists, zoologists, and climatologists simultaneously. During our research, an international team of fashion, tanning and education specialists used local Arctic and sub-Arctic flora from Sweden, Iceland, and Japan to dye fish leather. Several plants were gathered and sampled on a small scale to test the process and determine the colours they generated based on the historical literature and verbal advice from local experts. This paper describes the process and illustrates the historical use of natural dyes by the Arctic groups originally involved in this craft, building on the traditional cultural heritage that has enabled us to develop sustainable dyeing processes. The results are promising and confirm the applicability of these local plants for dyeing fish skins, providing a basis for a range of natural dye colours from local Arctic flora. The aim is to develop a moderate-sized industrial production of fish leather in this colour palette to replace current unsustainable chemical dyeing processes. This project represents an innovation in material design driven by traditional technologies, addressing changes in interactions between humans and with our environment. The results indicate that new materials, processes, and techniques are often the fruitful marriage of fashion and historical research of traditional methods, helping the industry move towards a more sustainable future. Full article

The development of mineral resources in the Arctic region presents a strategically significant yet challenging endeavor, necessitating a delicate balance between the growing need for resources and pressing climatic and geopolitical concerns. Mineral resource development projects entail high capital intensity and substantial investment risks, with Arctic projects being particularly complex. While sustainable financing mechanisms for projects fostering sustainable development have been largely addressed in many countries through specialized taxonomies, projects within the mineral resource sector require a distinct financing approach. Such a taxonomy should facilitate the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms for mineral resource projects in the Arctic zone, incentivizing companies to pursue Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mitigate potential social and environmental risks. This article examines the key aspects of sustainable financing for mining-related business projects amidst current trends, substantiating the prerequisites for establishing a taxonomy of Arctic mineral resource projects. Among the most important prerequisites are the contradiction between the SD concept and the development of mineral resources, specific characteristics of Arctic mining projects, and current financing restrictions. An approach to project financing is developed, and an option for classifying Arctic mineral resource projects for the subsequent taxonomy is proposed. Full article