Resolution number: 04
Title:
Submitted by: Centerpartiet (Sweden)
The Congress of the Liberal International, convened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on 20 October 2012
Notes that:
– The Arctic is one of the regions on earth where the effects of climate change are most obvious. A trend over the past six years shows that the ice and snow cover are melting more rapidly than earlier with new all-time low records obtained continuously;
– Although natural fluctuations matter to some extent, scientifically there is no doubt that the shrinking ice cover is an effect of global warming – which in its turn is a result of human influence;
– Short-lived climate forcers (SLCF) are the most important contributors to global warming influenced by human activity after carbon dioxide (CO2) and the polar regions are especially sensitive to SLCF’s;
– One of the major priorities is to prevent and to limit the negative effects of climate change. This calls for international support in adapting to the unavoidable changes.
Recognises that:
– The melting, in combination with new technology and an increase in commercial interests, will emphasize even further the need for international agreements on how the untouched area now opening up in the Arctic will be used;
– Development in the Arctic can create many opportunities but at the same time pose risks of consequences to the environment as well as implications for security policy.
Calls for:
– Development in the Arctic to be handled with responsibility and a view to long-term sustainability, in order to avoid undesirable side-effects;
– All governments to take immediate action in order to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and SLCF, such as soot, tropospheric ozone and methane;
– The Arctic Ocean to be recognised as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO);
– All countries to act together to stop sensitive arctic environmental areas from being exploited, by creating marine nature reserves and by achieving a new international binding agreement for the Arctic to regulate developments and environmental aspects;
– All countries to agree on a sustainable and responsible policy towards the development of the Arctic;
– The European Commission, the Arctic Council and all concerned member states to have an effective and broadened dialogue with the indigenous peoples on matters concerning them and to respect the international rights, the culture and livelihood of the indigenous people;
– International negotiations towards the Arctic becoming a nuclear free zone.
