Climate change has already removed over 75% of Arctic summer sea ice, an unprecedented loss in human history, leaving the Arctic Ocean increasingly exposed to exploitation and environmental destruction, according to scientists.
Despite its unique vulnerabilities, the Arctic Ocean remains the least protected of all the world’s oceans, with less than 1.5% under any form of protected status.
The high seas of the Arctic, which belong to no single nation, are entirely unprotected.
A strong Global Ocean Treaty is crucial to protect the Arctic Ocean as part of a network of sanctuaries according to Grean Peace organisation.
A survey by Greenpeace survey showed that 74% of people across 30 countries support establishing a global sanctuary in the international waters around the North Pole.
Over 70% believe the Arctic should be free from oil drilling and other heavy industries.
An envisioned Arctic Sanctuary would be as vast as the Mediterranarean Sea, with strict bans on fishing, military activities, and the exploration or extraction of fossil fuels and minerals from the seabed.
While shipping wouldn’t be entirely prohibited, heavy fuel oil use would be banned, aligning with practices in Antarctic waters.
The international community is being pressured to act, with efforts from various organizations and indigenous peoples to gather support for an Arctic Declaration.
Such a declaration would protect the Arctic, reflect support for the indigenous people, and be a significant step toward establishing a sanctuary.