Innovations in marine technology and potential needs for Arctic governance

The Arctic is a region of major significance in the Earth system,particularly important for global climate and international maritime governance.As human activity,relying on manufactured equipment,steadily increases in the Arctic,technological innovations for marine equipment must support the gradually more stringent requirements for future Arctic governance.In this review,four categories of innovations are analyzed,namely:innovations driven by traditional thinking,innovations for environmental protection,innovations for practical application,and innovations for observing information systems.Two examples of international regulations,the Polar Code(adopted in 2014)and the International Standard for Arctic offshore structures of the International Organization for Standardization(ISO 19906,first published in 2010),are selected to illustrate successful international cooperation efforts for Arctic marine innovation.This work provides a basis for discussion on technology development,governance efficiency,and international cooperation in the Arctic.

Evolution and impacts of the United States’Arctic strategy and China’s responses

On 7 October,2022,the Biden administration released an updated version of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region based on new developments in the Arctic region and global affairs.This strategy emphasizes traditional security issues in the Arctic,attaches great importance to climate governance in the region,and advocates for restoring American leadership through international cooperation.In view of the strong influence of the United States(U.S.)in the Arctic region,the changes of the U.S.Arctic strategy will inevitably have an impact on China’s scientific researchrights,economic interests,and governance rights in the Arctic region.To respond to the new situation brought about by the changes in the U.S.Arctic strategy,China should take the initiative to maintain positive relationships with all Arctic countries,and continue its active participation in Arctic affairs.

Chinese science diplomacy in Arctic climate governance based on a survey and interviews with Chinese scientists

Science diplomacy is attracting increasing attention in the international relations literature.This study investigates how Chinese scientists understand this term and explores China’s dynamic praxis in Arctic climate governance.It conducts a theoretical and practical examination of science diplomacy in terms of three dimensions—science in diplomacy,diplomacy for science,and science for diplomacy—thus achieving a high degree of consistency.A multi-method approach,combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and involving the adoption of a literature review,participant interviews,and questionnaires,is adopted.Data were collected from interviews with 16 Chinese scientists involved in Arctic climate governance and from 130 valid questionnaires collected from Chinese natural scientists working in the climate change field.Drawing on qualitative and quantitative findings,the study reveals that the three-dimensional framework of science diplomacy can provide insight into Chinese scientists’understandings of the topic.In contrast to the participants’vague theoretical responses,the outlines of China’s Arctic climate governance can be clearly identified within this framework.The study concludes by underlining the tension between theory and practice in terms of science diplomacy and highlighting the emerging challenges for China in developing its Arctic science diplomacy against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict.Moreover,it is suggested that,to further develop China’s Arctic science diplomacy,it is vital to take account of the deficiencies in China’s science diplomacy.The study’s empirical results contribute to an understanding of the dynamic nature of science diplomacy in the Chinese context.

Non-governmental organizations'influence on tackling black carbon in the shipping industry

This paper reviews the achievements of some typical non-governmental organizations （NGOs） in reducing black carbon emissions from shipping which enjoy the consultative status offered by the International Maritime Organization. It discusses the roles of the specific NGOs in dealing with black carbon in the Arctic region from the perspective of global governance to gain insights to guide our involvements in the Arctic affairs and shipping in the region by taking the advantages of NGOs＇ influence on the proceedings of international negotiations, our national policy development, the improvement of industrial practices and public perceptions.