Economical and ecological interests

Neumayer Station III Enlarge image On February 20th, 2009, the new German Antarctic research base Neumayer Station III was inaugurated. (© picture-alliance/ dpa) Germany has multiple economical and ecological interests in the Arctic.

Being one of the largest shipping nations worldwide, the prospects of new sea routes from Europe to Asia are particularly interesting. In summer 2009 two German merchant ships were the first non-Russian commercial vessels to sail the Northern Sea Route (via Russia) in one season. Using the Northwest Passage or eventually a polar route, would significantly cut travel time, avoid increasingly pirate-infested waters in the Indian Ocean and result therefore in economical savings. Less days at sea also means less fuel spent which would have a positive ecological effect as well.

More accessible Arctic lands and waters offer the potential for new developments of natural resources – be they mineral or living. Although yet to be regulated by the Arctic states holding jurisdiction over the relevant areas, German companies will be interested in investing in the mining sector and are well prepared to provide expertise and technology. A sustainable development of new fisheries is also an important aspect.

The need for environmental protection and sustainable development is a common ground in German society and politics. This generates a keen interest in developments caused by climate change. Though most emissions causing climate change are generated elsewhere, the polar regions are affected with particular intesity and speed. Melting ice decreases the planet's capacity to reflect the sunlight and energy, hence causing a further increase in global warming. In addition, melting ice caps on land, e.g., in Greenland or Antarctica, contribute significantly to rising sea levels that will not only affect small island states around the world, but to a lesser degree also the German shores in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. German researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, are, therefore, part of the international scientific community addressing crucial questions of global change, climate impact and sustainable solutions.

In Pole Position

German polar research has an excellent worldwide reputation: it is interdisciplinary and international – and still a fascinating adventure.

Article by Angelika Jung-Hüttl [pdf, 462,94k]

Journey through the ice

The core of such large international projects is formed by the marine expeditions with their multinational teams, and the Polarstern plays a decisive role in these. The icebreaker of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven has been in the service of science, 320 days a year for almost 30 years. The ship’s owner is Germany, represented by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The Polarstern steers its course through rough seas and pack ice – driven by five eight-cylinder diesel engines with a total of 20,000 horsepower.

Article by Kirsten Milhahn [pdf, 432,49k]

Artic for all?

The Arctic Ocean is a research region for polar science, which is delivering important findings towards an understanding of global climate change. What do scientists need to advance their research? What framework does international law provide? And will existing freedoms continue to be upheld if there is a division of the Arctic continental shelf and an extension of the sovereignty of the coastal states?

Article by Alexander Budde [pdf, 1.217,12k]