Arctic Justice: Environment, Society and Governance

This collection explores the responsibilities and failures of justice for environment and society in the European, North American, and Russian Arctic, highlighting the consequences of postcolonial legacies, climate change, and integration into the international political economy. It champions a just and sustainable future for Arctic development and governance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This comprehensive collection delves into the intricate realm of justice in the European, North American, and Russian Arctic regions, providing a distinctive perspective on the responsibilities and shortcomings of justice in the context of environment and society. Drawing inspiration from influential justice thinkers, this book sheds light on the profound consequences of postcolonial legacies, climate change, and the region's integration into the global political economy. The chapters feature diverse justice perspectives, encompassing liberal, cosmopolitan, feminist, and critical approaches, offered by esteemed experts with extensive research expertise in the Arctic. By critically examining current failures, the collection advocates for a just and sustainable future for Arctic development and governance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in this region.

Introduction:
The Arctic is a region of immense ecological and geopolitical significance, characterized by its unique environmental challenges and complex social dynamics. Justice plays a crucial role in shaping the future of this region, as it encompasses the fair distribution of resources, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of sustainable development. This collection aims to explore the responsibilities and failures of justice for environment and society in the Arctic, drawing from a range of academic disciplines and perspectives.

Postcolonial Legacies:
The Arctic has a rich history of colonization and exploitation, which has left a lasting impact on its environment and society. The legacy of colonialism includes the dispossession of indigenous peoples, the exploitation of natural resources, and the perpetuation of social and economic inequalities. These legacies continue to shape the Arctic today, as they contribute to environmental degradation, social marginalization, and political instability.

Climate Change:
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects the Arctic region disproportionately. Rising temperatures, melting ice, and changing weather patterns have significant impacts on the region's ecosystems, communities, and economies. The effects of climate change are felt across the Arctic, from the melting of permafrost to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of indigenous peoples.

International Political Economy:
The Arctic is increasingly becoming a focal point of international attention due to its natural resources and strategic location. The region is characterized by its resource abundance, including oil, gas, and minerals, which attract significant investment and development. However, this investment comes with a range of social and environmental consequences, including pollution, habitat destruction, and human rights violations.

Justice Perspectives:
The chapters in this collection feature a diverse range of justice perspectives, including liberal, cosmopolitan, feminist, and critical justice. These perspectives offer different insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic region, and they highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic approaches to justice.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection provides a valuable contribution to the study of justice in the Arctic. By examining the responsibilities and failures of justice for environment and society in the region, it sheds light on the urgent need for transformative change. The chapters offer a range of practical solutions and recommendations for promoting justice and sustainability in the Arctic, and they highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic approaches to justice.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529224801