On thin ice – a review of multi-level governance regarding Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEAC)

Abstract

The Arctic is a vital and unique ecosystem facing significant threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Recently, Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEAC) have been identified as an area that requires further study by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Understanding and improving existing regulatory systems is crucial to preventing the adverse effects of CEAC. This review concentrates on chemical pollution and the Arctic's vulnerability to long-range chemical transport and local pollution sources, as well as existing national, regional, and global measures to regulate and mitigate these pollution sources. Our review underscores three challenges to effective chemical governance in the Arctic. First, there is a lack of a holistic approach in this area. Second, global and national governance fragmentation means many CEAC fall through regulatory cracks. Third, very few global or national regulations or rules consider the unique vulnerabilities and socioeconomic conditions of the Arctic and its Indigenous Peoples.