Arctic climate governance via EU law on black carbon?

Abstract

International cooperation, environmental protection and climate change are the key elements of the European Union's (EU) Arctic policy. The EU's interest in the Arctic has increased gradually over the last decade, and the policy has been streamlined over the years to better respond to the needs of the Arctic region in the context of international cooperation. Short‐lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), especially black carbon emitted close to the Arctic region, present a growing threat to the Arctic climate. SLCPs are both dangerous air pollutants and climate forcers, but black carbon is particularly detrimental in the Arctic context. The EU controls black carbon emissions through legislation on air pollution and quality, albeit without specific reference to concerns over Arctic warming. Based on an analysis of the relevant EU laws, the article examines how the EU can have a concrete input in respect of Arctic climate governance, and through this strengthen its Arctic reach. In the EU context, exposing the lack of synergies between climate change and air pollution policies in a specific Arctic context could offer a potential first step.