Law of the sea

We discuss legal and institutional aspects concerning three selected topics that are of paramount importance in the Arctic: geoengineering to combat climate change, sustainable extraction of critical minerals (with special focus on deep seabed mining), and global and regional approaches to combat plastic pollution.

Climate Interventions in the Arctic:
Supported by IPCC recommendations, an ever-growing number of scientists, policymakers, and other interested stakeholders consider that at least some geoengineering techniques must be envisaged to combat climate change, in addition to dramatic reductions in GHG emissions. They argue that it is the only way to avoid catastrophic effects from climate change and ocean acidification, stabilize concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere before decreasing it to keep planetary warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In parallel to this, the unprecedented pressure experienced by the Arctic Ocean and the marine cryosphere from accelerated climate warming is crystallizing interest in Arctic-specific climate interventions. This presentation seeks to provide an overview of marine geoengineering (mGE) techniques envisaged in the Arctic prior to discussing their legal and institutional environment at international and regional levels as well as ongoing developments and debates. Approaches to the precautionary approach, risk management, and the application of sound science will be examined in this context. 

Regulating the Extraction of Critical Minerals in the Arctic:   
The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important for securing critical minerals, which are seen as essential to energy transition. Mining in the Arctic, however, raises several issues, such as those concerning the protection of the Arctic’s particularly vulnerable environment, the protection of the Arctic’s indigenous peoples’ rights, and threats of resource-driven imperialism. This presentation provides an overview of the role of law in ensuring that mining is done in a sustainable manner, without breaching the rights of indigenous peoples or infringing upon other States’ sovereignty and sovereign rights. 

The Arctic and the Future of International Plastics Regulation:  
Whilst plastics pollution is a global problem requiring global solutions, Arctic wildlife and Arctic residents who depend on it for food security are particularly affected. Considering the future of the Arctic and with a global plastics treaty under negotiation, it is therefore important to examine first what is and could regionally be done better to combat plastics pollution, and second, how the existing normative landscape on plastics pollution in the Arctic may accommodate a potential new treaty. 

✅ Please RSVP by June 1, 2025.
🆔 A government-issued ID will be required for access.
➡️ Dress code: According to weather. NO HEELS on deck.

We recommend arriving early on the day to secure your space.

Please note that we earlier the same day have an official side event about Arctic Future Pathfinders – a journey through the Northwest Passage.