Denmark’s research minister, Christina Egelund, says Arctic research is already a high priority, after polar researchers warned that the Kingdom is falling behind Norway in preparing for the International Polar Year in 2032-2033.
DR reports that Egelund, of the Moderates, answered in writing after criticism from Forum for Arktisk Forskning. The forum is a coordinating body for the central actors in Denmark’s polar research communities.
Forum for Arktisk Forskning has called for the Rigsfællesskab to jointly establish a secretariat and an academic committee. According to the forum, that structure is needed to position the Kingdom as well as possible ahead of the Polar Year.
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In her written answer to DR, Egelund said that Arctic research is already prioritized highly in Denmark. She pointed to the research reserve agreements of the past five years, in which more than 200 million kroner has been earmarked for the field. She added that researchers can also apply to Denmark’s large general research pools.
The minister said she would not rule out prioritizing more money for Arctic research in the future. She described the field as extremely important, both scientifically and in light of the geopolitical situation.
DR notes that Norway has already set aside one billion kroner for research in the polar ocean as part of its preparations. The International Polar Year in 2032-2033 focuses on coordinated research activities in the Arctic and the Antarctic.
Dialogue with Greenland
Egelund said that research in Greenland falls under Greenlandic responsibility. She therefore wants to know the views of the Greenlandic government and of the Greenlandic members of the Folketing. That dialogue will take place in the near future, according to her answer.
Denmark and Greenland share the Rigsfællesskab, under which Greenland holds authority over several policy areas. Research is one of the fields transferred to Greenlandic responsibility.
Forum for Arktisk Forskning acknowledges that Arctic research is prioritized within the research reserve. Chair Ole Hertel said in a written response that the forum is very grateful for those funds. The organization has argued that a larger three-digit million kroner sum is needed for Polar Year activities.
Hertel welcomed the minister’s openness to further funding, but repeated the call for a single large program. Such a program should gather the actors in the field and secure activity and presence over a longer period. He said neighboring countries have allocated funds and started program committees, and that Denmark is behind on that front.
He also called it positive that the minister will speak with the Greenlandic members of the Folketing. Hertel said he hopes the Faroese members will be included as well. That would allow a joint Rigsfællesskab program for the International Polar Year, per his written answer to DR.
DR notes that the polar regions are experiencing some of the fastest and most extensive environmental changes on Earth. The Arctic plays a particular role for the global climate.
