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Why cumulative impacts assessments of hydrocarbon activities in the Arctic fail to meet their purpose

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Abstract

The Arctic Region is characterised by vulnerable ecosystems and residing indigenous people, dependent on nature for subsistence fishing and hunting. The Arctic also contains a wealth of non-living natural resources such as minerals and hydrocarbons. Synergies between increased access and growing global demand for the Arctic resources influence the level and nature of human activity and its influence on the environment. It is therefore essential to assess and mitigate the cumulative impacts from these activities. Environmental Assessment (EA) is a common tool applied by the Arctic nations to secure that environmental considerations are included in decision-making when new plans and projects are implemented. However, recent research has indicated that assessment of cumulative impacts in EAs is inconsistent and the practises ambiguous. This article explores this phenomenon further by reviewing and analysing current practices of assessing cumulative impacts in EAs in relation to offshore oil and gas activities in the Arctic. It is found that cumulative impacts assessments are generally lacking. The practitioners involved explain this with reference to the challenge of addressing and assessing cumulative impacts due to their complex nature. They further point at lacking methodological guidelines as well as lack of resources during the impact assessment process.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all our interviewees for their time and contribution which complemented this article with valuable insights.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GRID-Arendal, A Centre Collaborating With UNEP, Teaterplassen 3, 4836, Arendal, Norway

    Trine Skovgaard Kirkfeldt

  2. Arctic Research Oil and Gas Research Centre, Ilisimatusarfik, University of Greenland, Manutooq 1, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland

    Anne Merrild Hansen

  3. The Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, Skibbrogade 5, 1, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark

    Anne Merrild Hansen

  4. COOP Danmark A/S, Roskildevej 65, 2620, Albertslund, Denmark

    Pernille Olesen

  5. WWF Global Arctic Programme, 275 Slater Street, Suite 810, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5H9, Canada

    Lucia Mortensen

  6. Stara Zagora Municipality, Tsar Simeon Veliki 107, 6000, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Kameliya Hristova

  7. Volkswagen de México, Km. 116 Autopista México/Puebla, 72000, Puebla, Mexico

    Alexander Welsch

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  1. Trine Skovgaard Kirkfeldt
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  2. Anne Merrild Hansen
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  3. Pernille Olesen
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  4. Lucia Mortensen
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  5. Kameliya Hristova
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Correspondence to Trine Skovgaard Kirkfeldt.

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Kirkfeldt, T.S., Hansen, A.M., Olesen, P. et al. Why cumulative impacts assessments of hydrocarbon activities in the Arctic fail to meet their purpose. Reg Environ Change 17, 725–737 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-016-1059-3

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