Pt. 1. The Arctic: context, framework and methodology -- pt. 2. Legal and institutional framework: case studies -- pt. 3. Comparisons and managerial implications.

This book analyzes the expanding oil and gas activities in the Arctic from the perspective of Sustainable Development (SD) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The focus is on the territories of the Arctic rim where the current and future oil and gas activities in the Arctic are and will be located. The book raises a number of questions inclu

Offshore Oil and Gas Development in the Arctic under International Law explores the international legal framework for hydrocarbon development in the marine Arctic. It presents an assessment of the careful balance between States’ sovereign rights to their resources, their obligations to uphold the rights of Arctic inhabitants and their duty to prevent injury to other States. It examines the rights of indigenous and other Arctic populations, the precautionary approach, the environmental impact assessment and the duty to monitor offshore hydrocarbon activities. It also analyses the application of the international law of responsibility in the event that the State fails to meet its primary obligations in the absence of a State’s wrongful conduct.

U.S. Arctic waters north of the Bering Strait and west of the Canadian border encompass a vast area that is usually ice covered for much of the year, but is increasingly experiencing longer periods and larger areas of open water due to climate change. Sparsely inhabited with a wide variety of ecosystems found nowhere else, this region is vulnerable to damage from human activities. As oil and gas, shipping, and tourism activities increase, the possibilities of an oil spill also increase. How can we best prepare to respond to such an event in this challenging environment? Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment reviews the current state of the science regarding oil spill response and environmental assessment in the Arctic region north of the Bering Strait, with emphasis on the potential impacts in U.S. waters. This report describes the unique ecosystems and environment of the Arctic and makes recommendations to provide an effective response effort in these challenging conditions. According to Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment, a full range of proven oil spill response technologies is needed in order to minimize the impacts on people and sensitive ecosystems. This report identifies key oil spill research priorities, critical data and monitoring needs, mitigation strategies, and important operational and logistical issues. The Arctic acts as an integrating, regulating, and mediating component of the physical, atmospheric and cryospheric systems that govern life on Earth. Not only does the Arctic serve as regulator of many of the Earth's large-scale systems and processes, but it is also an area where choices made have substantial impact on life and choices everywhere on planet Earth. This report's recommendations will assist environmentalists, industry, state and local policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of this special region to preserve and protect it from damaging oil spills.

This book provides an overview of the many issues relevant to offshore oil and gas development in the Arctic. Topics covered in this book include a brief historical background of Arctic oil and gas development; a discussion of the economic importance of oil in Alaska; challenges of Arctic oil spill response; Arctic subsistence resource issues; an overview of important ecological resources in the Arctic; data gaps relevant to future oil and gas decision-making; an analysis of crude oil production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and potential impacts of proposed oil and gas development on the Arctic Refuge's coastal plain.