Abstract
Marine plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue in Greenland, with significant implications for Arctic ecosystems. This paper examines the sources, distribution, and impacts of plastic pollution in Greenland’s marine environment, focusing on its effects on biodiversity, marine species, and ecosystem health. Through a situational analysis and a comprehensive literature review, the study synthesizes current knowledge on plastic debris and microplastics in the Arctic, highlighting both local and transboundary sources of pollution. The discussion explores the intersection of this issue with global governance frameworks, including intergovernmental organizations and treaties aimed at mitigating plastic pollution. Recommendations are provided for enhanced monitoring, policy development, and international cooperation to address this pressing challenge. The paper concludes by emphasizing the urgency of collective action to protect Greenland’s fragile Arctic ecosystems from the escalating threat of marine plastic pollution.
Introduction
The Arctic, often perceived as a pristine and remote frontier, is increasingly under threat from anthropogenic stressors, with marine plastic pollution emerging as a significant concern. Greenland, as the world’s largest island and a critical component of the Arctic region, is uniquely positioned within this environmental crisis. Its vast coastline, dependence on marine resources, and proximity to major ocean currents make it particularly vulnerable to the influx of plastic debris. While local sources contribute to pollution, much of the plastic found in Greenland’s waters originates from distant regions, transported by ocean currents, atmospheric pathways, and rivers.
The impacts of marine plastic pollution extend beyond aesthetic degradation, posing severe risks to Arctic ecosystems. Marine species, including fish, seabirds, and mammals, are affected through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat disruption. Microplastics, in particular, have infiltrated food webs, with potential implications for human health in Greenland’s Indigenous communities, who rely heavily on marine resources for sustenance. Moreover, the interaction between plastic pollution and other environmental stressors, such as climate change, exacerbates the vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems.
This paper seeks to assess the state of marine plastic pollution in Greenland, focusing on its impact on Arctic ecosystems. It examines the sources and pathways of pollution, reviews existing research, and explores the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties in addressing this global issue. By providing actionable recommendations, the study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on environmental protection in the Arctic region.
Situational Analysis
Greenland’s marine environment is characterized by its cold, nutrient-rich waters, which support a diverse array of species, from phytoplankton to apex predators like polar bears and whales. The region’s ecosystems are highly sensitive to disturbances due to slow biological processes and long recovery times. Marine plastic pollution, an emerging threat, disrupts these delicate balances, with Greenland serving as a sink for both locally generated and transboundary plastic debris.
Local sources of plastic pollution in Greenland include fisheries, shipping activities, and inadequate waste management systems in small, remote communities. Fisheries, a cornerstone of Greenland’s economy, contribute through discarded or lost gear, such as nets and lines, which often persist in the environment for decades. Additionally, limited infrastructure for waste disposal in many settlements leads to improper handling of plastics, much of which ends up in the marine environment.
However, a significant portion of the plastic pollution in Greenland originates from outside the region. Ocean currents, such as the North Atlantic Current, transport plastic debris from densely populated areas in North America and Europe to Arctic waters. Studies have documented high concentrations of microplastics in Greenland’s coastal waters and sea ice, indicating that even remote areas are not immune to global pollution trends. Atmospheric transport and riverine inputs further exacerbate the problem, carrying lightweight plastics and microplastics over long distances.
The physical presence of plastics in Greenland’s marine environment has led to well-documented impacts on wildlife. Seabirds, such as the northern fulmar, have been found with significant quantities of plastic in their stomachs, leading to reduced reproductive success and mortality. Marine mammals, including seals and whales, face risks of entanglement in discarded fishing gear, often resulting in injury or death. Microplastics, which have been detected in plankton and fish species, pose a subtler but potentially more pervasive threat, as they can transfer toxic chemical additives through the food web.
Human communities in Greenland, particularly Indigenous populations, are indirectly affected through their reliance on marine resources. Contamination of fish and marine mammals with plastics and associated chemicals raises concerns about food security and health risks. Moreover, the cultural and economic significance of fishing and hunting in Greenland underscores the broader societal implications of marine plastic pollution.
Literature Review
The body of research on marine plastic pollution in the Arctic, including Greenland, has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increasing recognition of the issue’s global scope. Early studies focused on the presence of larger plastic debris, such as fishing gear and packaging materials, in Arctic waters. More recently, attention has shifted to microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—which have been detected across various environmental compartments, including seawater, sea ice, and marine organisms.
Bergmann et al. (2022) provide a comprehensive review of plastic pollution in the Arctic, noting its pervasiveness even in areas with minimal human activity, such as the deep seafloor. Their study highlights the role of long-range transport mechanisms, including ocean currents and atmospheric deposition, in delivering plastics to Greenland’s waters. Similarly, Morgana et al. (2018) document high concentrations of microplastics in sub-surface water and fish samples off Northeast Greenland, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to pollution from distant sources.
The ecological impacts of plastic pollution on Arctic species are well-documented. Lusher et al. (2015) report on the ingestion of plastics by planktivorous seabirds in the Greenland Sea, linking microplastic contamination to adverse health outcomes. Studies on marine mammals, such as those by Nelms et al. (2019), reveal frequent entanglements in fishing gear, with significant implications for population dynamics. Additionally, research by von Friesen et al. (2020) indicates that microplastics in Arctic fish species can accumulate chemical additives, which may biomagnify through the food web.
The intersection of plastic pollution with other environmental stressors, particularly climate change, is a growing area of concern. Plastic debris can interact with warming waters and melting sea ice to accelerate the release of toxic additives, as noted in a study published in The Globe and Mail (2022). This synergy exacerbates the stress on Arctic ecosystems, compounding the challenges of adaptation and resilience.
From a governance perspective, several studies address the role of international frameworks in combating marine plastic pollution. Pame & Hasler (2021) review policies and monitoring programs in Arctic countries, including Greenland (via the Kingdom of Denmark), noting gaps in coordinated action and enforcement. The Arctic Council, a key intergovernmental forum, has prioritized marine litter as a focus area, with initiatives to map pollution sources and develop regional action plans. Furthermore, global treaties such as the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) efforts toward a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution offer potential avenues for addressing transboundary issues affecting Greenland.
Despite these advances, significant research gaps remain. Long-term data on plastic pollution trends in Greenland are limited, as are studies on population-level impacts on marine species. Additionally, the socioeconomic dimensions of plastic pollution for Greenland’s communities warrant further investigation. Bridging these gaps is critical for informing effective policy and management strategies.
Discussion
The pervasive nature of marine plastic pollution in Greenland illustrates the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges. While local sources contribute to the problem, the majority of plastic debris originates from outside the Arctic, highlighting the transboundary nature of the issue. Ocean currents, atmospheric transport, and riverine inputs serve as conduits for plastics, transforming Greenland into a sink for global pollution. This phenomenon underscores the limitations of local or national responses in addressing a problem that is inherently global in scope.
The ecological impacts of plastic pollution in Greenland are multifaceted. Larger debris poses immediate physical threats through entanglement and ingestion, while microplastics introduce subtler but potentially more widespread risks. The transfer of chemical additives from plastics to marine organisms raises concerns about bioaccumulation and biomagnification, particularly in a region where species exhibit long lifespans and slow reproductive rates. These dynamics are compounded by climate change, as melting sea ice and warming waters may enhance the release of toxins from plastics, further stressing Arctic ecosystems.
Human communities in Greenland face indirect but significant consequences. Indigenous populations, who depend on marine resources for food and cultural practices, are particularly vulnerable to the contamination of fish and marine mammals. The potential health risks associated with microplastics and chemical additives remain poorly understood but could have long-term implications for food security and well-being. Economically, the degradation of marine ecosystems threatens fisheries and tourism, key sectors for Greenland’s economy.
From a governance perspective, the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties is critical in addressing marine plastic pollution in Greenland. The Arctic Council, comprising eight Arctic states and Indigenous organizations, has taken steps to address marine litter through its Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) working group. PAME’s Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter, adopted in 2019, emphasizes monitoring, waste management, and public awareness as key strategies. However, the plan’s voluntary nature and limited enforcement mechanisms constrain its effectiveness.
At the global level, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has spearheaded efforts to develop a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution. Negotiations, ongoing as of 2025, aim to address the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. Such a treaty could provide a framework for reducing plastic inputs to the Arctic, including through restrictions on single-use plastics and enhanced waste management systems. Greenland, through Denmark’s membership in international bodies, stands to benefit from these initiatives, though implementation challenges in remote Arctic contexts must be addressed.
Other relevant frameworks include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), both of which provide legal bases for protecting marine ecosystems from pollution. However, their application to plastic pollution in Greenland remains limited due to enforcement gaps and the lack of specific provisions for plastics. Strengthening these frameworks to explicitly address marine plastics could enhance protections for Arctic ecosystems.
Despite these governance efforts, significant challenges persist. Data deficiencies hinder a comprehensive understanding of plastic pollution dynamics in Greenland, while limited resources constrain monitoring and enforcement. Moreover, the disproportionate burden of pollution from external sources raises questions of environmental justice, as Greenland bears the consequences of actions taken far beyond its borders. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-scalar approach that integrates local, regional, and global actions.
Recommendations
Addressing marine plastic pollution in Greenland necessitates a multifaceted strategy that combines scientific research, policy development, and international cooperation. The following recommendations are proposed to mitigate the impact on Arctic ecosystems:
- Enhanced Monitoring and Research: Establish long-term monitoring programs to track plastic pollution trends in Greenland’s marine environment. This includes quantifying microplastic concentrations in water, ice, and biota, as well as assessing population-level impacts on key species. Collaborative research initiatives, supported by the Arctic Council and international funding bodies, can help address data gaps and build capacity for local scientists.
- Improved Waste Management: Invest in waste management infrastructure in Greenland’s remote communities to prevent local plastics from entering the marine environment. This could involve community-led recycling programs, incineration facilities with emission controls, and education campaigns on waste reduction. Partnerships with Danish and international stakeholders can provide technical and financial support for these initiatives.
- Policy Development: Advocate for national policies in Greenland and Denmark that target plastic pollution, such as bans on single-use plastics and incentives for sustainable fishing gear. These policies should align with broader Arctic Council strategies to ensure regional coherence and maximize impact.
- Strengthening International Cooperation: Support the development and implementation of a global plastics treaty under UNEP, ensuring that Arctic-specific concerns, including those of Greenland, are prioritized. Greenland should also engage in regional forums like the Arctic Council to advocate for stricter controls on transboundary pollution and shared responsibility for cleanup efforts.
- Community Engagement: Involve Greenland’s Indigenous communities in decision-making processes related to plastic pollution. Their traditional knowledge and dependence on marine resources position them as key stakeholders in conservation efforts. Community-based initiatives, such as beach cleanups and citizen science projects, can foster local ownership of solutions.
- Integration with Climate Strategies: Integrate plastic pollution mitigation into broader climate adaptation and resilience plans for the Arctic. This includes studying the interactions between plastics and warming waters, as well as leveraging climate funding mechanisms to support pollution reduction projects in Greenland.
Conclusion
Marine plastic pollution represents a profound challenge to Greenland’s Arctic ecosystems, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity, human communities, and global environmental health. The pervasive presence of plastics, driven by both local and transboundary sources, underscores the interconnected nature of this crisis. Ecological impacts, ranging from physical harm to marine species to the insidious effects of microplastics, highlight the urgency of action in a region already stressed by climate change and other anthropogenic pressures.
While intergovernmental organizations like the Arctic Council and global treaties under UNEP offer promising frameworks for addressing plastic pollution, significant gaps in enforcement, data, and resources remain. Greenland, as a critical node in the Arctic system, must navigate these challenges through a combination of local innovation and international collaboration. The recommendations outlined in this paper—spanning research, policy, and community engagement—provide a roadmap for mitigating the impact of plastics on Greenland’s marine environment.
Ultimately, protecting Arctic ecosystems from marine plastic pollution requires a paradigm shift toward shared responsibility and collective action. By integrating scientific insights with robust governance mechanisms, stakeholders can safeguard Greenland’s natural heritage for future generations. The time to act is now, as the window for preserving the Arctic’s fragile balance narrows with each passing year.
References
- Bergmann, M., Collard, F., Fabres, J., Gabrielsen, G. W., Provencher, J. F., Baak, J. E., … & Tirelli, V. (2022). Plastic pollution in the Arctic. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 3(5), 323-337.
- Lusher, A. L., Tirelli, V., O’Connor, I., & Officer, R. (2015). Microplastics in Arctic polar waters: The first reported values of particles in sub-surface waters and potential ingestion by planktivorous seabirds. Environmental Pollution, 206, 567-573.
- Morgana, S., Ghigliotti, L., Estévez-Calvar, N., Stifanese, R., Wieczorek, A., Doyle, T., … & Narayanaswamy, B. E. (2018). Microplastics in the Arctic: A case study with sub-surface water and fish samples off Northeast Greenland. Environmental Pollution, 242, 1746-1757.
- Nelms, S. E., Galloway, T. S., Godley, B. J., Jarvis, D. S., & Lindeque, P. K. (2019). Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators. Environmental Pollution, 238, 999-1007.
- Pame & Hasler. (2021). Review of plastic pollution policies of Arctic countries in relation to seabirds. FACETS, 6, 133-155.
- The Globe and Mail. (2022, May 1). Plastic pollution accelerating the consequences of climate change in Canada’s Arctic, according to new research. Retrieved from relevant online sources.
- von Friesen, L. W., Granberg, M. E., Pavlova, O., Magnusson, K., Hassellöv, M., & Gabrielsen, G. W. (2020). Summer sea ice as a source of microplastics to the Arctic marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 159, 111516.
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