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Moderated by Roland Kallenborn, Webinar #4 explores how geopolitical developments have shaped Arctic pollution research over the past four decades. The webinar features presentations by Lars-Otto Reiersen, who reflects on the history and achievements of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), and Rolf Rødven (Secretary of AMAP), who discusses current challenges for Arctic monitoring and the future of pollution research in a rapidly changing geopolitical and environmental landscape.

Segment 1

From Cold War to international environmental cooperation

Lars-Otto Reiersen begins by tracing the origins of Arctic environmental cooperation back to the final years of the Cold War. Following Mikhail Gorbachev’s Murmansk speech in 1987, Finland launched what became known as the Rovaniemi Process, bringing Arctic nations together to address shared environmental challenges. This cooperation resulted in the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy in 1991 and later the establishment of the Arctic Council, with AMAP becoming one of its scientific working groups.

Since then, AMAP has coordinated long-term monitoring of contaminants, climate change and human health across the Arctic. Scientists from Arctic and non-Arctic countries have worked together to document pollution levels, identify trends and trace contaminants back to their sources, providing the scientific evidence needed to support environmental policy.

One of the programme’s early findings challenged common assumptions. Rather than originating primarily from the Soviet Union, pollutants found in the Arctic were shown to come from across the Northern Hemisphere through atmospheric, oceanic and river transport. Similar monitoring demonstrated how radioactive contaminants travelled long distances through both the atmosphere and ocean currents, highlighting the global nature of Arctic pollution.

Reiersen also describes how AMAP’s research contributed directly to major international agreements. Scientific evidence on persistent organic pollutants supported the development of the Stockholm Convention, while long-term mercury monitoring helped lay the foundation for the Minamata Convention. Monitoring data has since documented declining concentrations of several regulated pollutants in Arctic wildlife, demonstrating that coordinated international action can produce measurable environmental improvements.

Beyond contaminants, Reiersen highlights AMAP’s contribution to climate science. The 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment demonstrated that climate change was already underway in the Arctic and that warming was occurring much faster than the global average. These findings helped bring Arctic observations into the international climate debate and showed the importance of sustained environmental monitoring.

Key takeaways from Segment 1

• International cooperation after the Cold War laid the foundation for Arctic environmental monitoring.
• AMAP demonstrated that Arctic pollution originates from sources across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Long-term monitoring contributed to international agreements including the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions.
• Scientific evidence has documented declining levels of several regulated pollutants in Arctic ecosystems.
• Arctic monitoring has also played a key role in advancing global understanding of climate change.

Segment 2

Current challenges for Arctic monitoring and pollution research

Building on this historical perspective, Rolf Rødven examines how Arctic monitoring is adapting to new environmental and geopolitical realities. While long-term monitoring programmes have achieved significant successes, new challenges are emerging as climate change accelerates and international cooperation becomes increasingly complex.

Climate change is altering contaminant pathways throughout the Arctic. Melting glaciers and thawing permafrost can remobilise pollutants that have been stored for decades, while changing sea ice conditions influence the exchange of contaminants between air, water and ecosystems. At the same time, warming temperatures are reshaping biodiversity and creating new pressures on Arctic species.

Rødven also points to significant monitoring challenges arising from today’s geopolitical situation. Limited access to monitoring stations in Russia leaves major geographical gaps in Arctic observations, while uncertainty surrounding research funding in other countries may affect future long-term monitoring programmes. Maintaining consistent environmental observations therefore becomes increasingly important for understanding ongoing changes.

The presentation also highlights the need to address emerging contaminants that are not fully covered by existing international agreements. PFAS, chemicals used in plastics, rare earth element production and other contaminants of emerging concern require new monitoring approaches alongside traditional pollutants. To support this work, AMAP is exploring new analytical methods, including advanced modelling techniques and alternative testing approaches that can strengthen future environmental assessments.

Looking ahead, Rødven emphasises that effective environmental policy depends on continued collaboration between scientists and decision-makers. Monitoring programmes must evolve alongside environmental change while continuing to provide robust scientific evidence for international agreements and future environmental governance.

Key takeaways from Segment 2

• Climate change is creating new pathways for contaminant transport in the Arctic.
• Geopolitical developments present growing challenges for international monitoring programmes.
• Emerging contaminants require new monitoring strategies and analytical methods.
• Long-term monitoring remains essential for evidence-based environmental policy.
• Continued cooperation between science and policymakers is critical for future Arctic environmental protection.

To sum it all up

Webinar #4 illustrates how international cooperation has transformed Arctic pollution research over the past four decades. Long-term monitoring has not only improved our understanding of contaminants and climate change but has also provided the scientific foundation for international environmental agreements.

At the same time, the webinar makes clear that Arctic monitoring cannot stand still. Climate change, emerging pollutants and geopolitical tensions are creating new challenges that require continued scientific collaboration, innovative monitoring approaches and strong links between research and policy. Together, these efforts remain essential for protecting Arctic ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.