Newsletter: The Arctic steps forward despite crisis, bankruptcy and isolation

We see, amongst others, that Russia upgrades its long-ignored air base near Tiksi in Yakutia, and a unit of missiles is now ready for battle, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

British communication company OneWeb’s ambitious goal about bringing broadband to the entire Arctic now appears to be unlikely to happen. The company filed for bankruptcy last month following the launch of 74 out of its 648 scheduled satellites.

Novatek continues moving on with its largest Arctic LNG project. Interesting satellite images reveal the early days of a growing industrial complex on the Gydal Peninsula. Read about it here.

Nevertheless, Covid-19 leaves its mark at High North News:

In the week before Easter, we had a chat with Norway’s Ambassador to Finland, Dag Stangnes. He reports of a composed and well-prepared people facing the crisis. The crisis has revealed how well Nordic cooperation works (Norwegian only), says the Ambassador who operates out from Helsinki.

The rest of the Arctic was not that well prepared. Writer and Assistant Professor at Oulu Business School Alexandra Middleton (photo) has taken a closer look at food security during and after the 

Alexandra Middleton is Assistant Professor at Department of Accounting at Oulu Business School.

Corona crisis. She asks why we do not discuss food security in the Arctic more. “In times of crisis, all things unessential fade away and food, which is taken for granted when it comes to availability in the developed world, is valued the most”, Middleton says and warrants debate.

The Norwegian state is also strongly criticized for its lack of preparedness. Because what do we learn from this crisis? “We must practice together to get better at preparedness” (Norwegian only), according to researchers from Nord University and NTNU, making clear references to 22 July.

Many people are temporarily laid off and are at home rather than working, that is a fact. Researchers at Nord University argues they should be allowed to use their waiting time for useful purposes as a part of a constructive community effort and present three proposals as to how such an arrangement could be organized here (Norwegian only).

Of course we continue bringing you a daily update on the spread of the Corona virus in the Arctic, and we can report of continued low figures from the High North. Fortunately. Because even though the High North is more vulnerable than other areas of the world, it is also easier to protect.

Iceland is hailed for the way in which the country manages the situation and has tested five percent of its population so far. That has led to a good overview over the situation on the saga island.

Brighter days

Formannen for Naalakkersuisut, Kim Kielsen (i midten). Bildet er tatt i en annen sammenheng. Foto: Frederik Lund, Naalakkersuisut

Good news worth mentioning is the fact that at the time of writing, Svalbard has no confirmed cases of infection, and all who were infected on Greenland are now reported healthy again.

We are facing brighter days also when it comes to restrictions, and we are happy to report that the Arctic is moving in the right direction, with more and more restrictions on travel and everyday life being lifted.

"We do not know whether it has worked or not"
Finland lifts restrictions with immediate effect
Faroe Islands ease restrictions

To many local communities, however, infection is not the only problem. We also see increased social side-effects of the Covid-19 crisis in Canada. Dr Pertice Moffit says to High North News that isolation increases risk for children and women in homes with domestic abuse.

Isolation has also led Norwegian Iditarod 2020 Champion Thomas Wærner stranded in Anchorage one month after the race, together with his dogs. However, there currently appears to be a solution in sight in the form of a historic propeller plane. Well worth a read!

Before Easter, our Editor-in-Chief Arne O. Holm summarized the current challenging times with a historic retrospective from the early years of his own life. This week, now that we have put away Easter eggs and rabbits, he sees a world that places health before the economy:

“The question is whether or not this will have other and deeper consequences than previous economic crises. Will solidarity and justice become part of a future world order,” he asks.

Only time will show.

Have a great weekend, and do not forget to tip us about what happens in your Arctic!
 
Trine Jonassen
News Editor, High North News