Cooperation in developing a disaster prevention and response plan for Arctic shipping Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • © 2018 Elsevier Ltd The melting Arctic ice creates opportunities in cargo and passenger shipping for the international maritime community. Considering the circumpolar circumstances, the growth in Arctic shipping can result in a higher risk of mishaps and disasters. Disaster response may be more complex due to harsh, unpredictable weather conditions, varying stakeholders, differing political systems from the border countries and the disputed accountability for costs. Planning for an Arctic disaster is a ‘wicked problem.’ A ‘wicked problem’ is one that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. These conditions are due to the complexity of stakeholder interdependencies, environmental conditions, social/cultural/political concerns, and economic risks. The ‘wicked problem’ context helps to view decisions made on disaster prevention and response plans for Arctic shipping in terms of mitigation and minimization of the extent and duration of the negative consequences, rather than with a solution mindset. To achieve this goal, cooperation strategies are developed. This study maintains that cooperation among involved stakeholders is the most effective mechanism for an appropriate prevention and response plan. Cooperation not only increases effectiveness, but also the speed of response.

published proceedings

  • MARINE POLICY

altmetric score

  • 0.25

author list (cited authors)

  • Mileski, J., Gharehgozli, A., Ghoram, L., & Swaney, R.

citation count

  • 19

complete list of authors

  • Mileski, Joan||Gharehgozli, Amir||Ghoram, Lawrence||Swaney, Ryan

publication date

  • January 2018