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REPORT OF THE VISIT BY THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT DELEGATION TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE ASSEMBLY, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

10 – 13 0CTOBER 2019

Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………….2 Background…………………………………………………………………….2 Programme activities…………………………………………………………3 Annex: Programme…………………….....................................................13

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Introduction 1. This is the report of the visit by the Scottish Parliament delegation to Reykjavik, Iceland to participate in the seventh annual Arctic Circle Assembly. The delegation comprised:

Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, and

Finlay Carson MSP, Deputy Convener of the Environment, Climate Change

and Land Reform Committee

2. The committee members were accompanied by Alasdair Reid, Senior Researcher, Energy, Climate Change and Land Reform, Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe); and Steven Bell from the International Relations Office (IRO). Professor Elisa Morgera, Global Environment Law and Co-Director, Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance, University of Strathclyde and, via Skype, Charlotte Hartley, Member of the Just Transition Commission and Board Trustee at 2050 Climate Group took part in the inaugural committee led breakout session, “A Scottish Perspective on Climate Change, Climate Justice and Human Rights”. Background 3. The annual Arctic Circle Assembly is the largest annual international gathering on the Arctic, attended by more than 2,000 participants, including Heads of State and Governments, Ministers, parliamentarians, officials, scientists, business leaders, activists, NGO‟s, academics and others from over 60 countries. 4. The topics of focus included climate change and its effects on the Arctic region, sea melt and extreme weather, security and sustainable development in the Arctic, fisheries and ecosystem management, indigenous rights, shipping and transportation infrastructure, Arctic resources, and tourism. 5. The stated mission of the Arctic Circle is "to facilitate dialogue and build relationships to address rapid changes in the Arctic" and "strengthen the decision-making process by bringing together as many international partners as possible to interact under one large 'open tent‟. 6. The organisation was established in response to issues facing the Arctic as a result of climate change as well as the growing international interest in the region. With the opening of shipping lanes and other economic activity in the Arctic, the organisation says the region "is moving to centre stage and is playing a significant role in issues such as globalization, economic development, energy exploration, environmental protection and international security." 7. The Chairman of the Arctic Circle is the former President of Iceland, Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. President Grimsson visited the Scottish Parliament in 2017 and 2018 to discuss with the Presiding Officer the work and role of the Arctic Circle and encouraged MSP participation in the annual Assembly (and the smaller „Forum‟ events). The Presiding Officer hosted a reception in 2017 when the Arctic Circle Forum met in Edinburgh.

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8. The involvement in the (sixth) Arctic Circle Assembly by Members of the Scottish Parliament in 2018 was a result of the invitation extended by President Grimsson and that visit to Reykjavik was seen as a pilot, scoping exercise. Following the visit, and the positive feedback received from Members, it was decided to attend the seventh Assembly and expand the Scottish Parliament‟s involvement through hosting a breakout session. This was led by the Convener and Deputy Convener of the Parliament‟s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee. 9. The Scottish Parliament has maintained strong friendships and links with European (and other eg Canadian) parliaments since 1999 and seeks to build on these links to further strengthen and find more opportunities to share knowledge and experiences of core parliamentary issues. 10. As with all visits the approach was to link attendance to the Scottish Parliament‟s International Strategy which identifies activities it considers as strategically important. The foundation for undertaking such external visits is to link it directly back to core parliamentary business (in this case the work programme of the Committee e.g. around climate change scrutiny). In addition to the issues highlighted above, the delegation also participated in discussions across the visit relating to current policy and political issues in Scotland and the UK. 11. The cost of the visit to Reykjavik was £7,065 which covered the cost of travel, accommodation and expenses for the two parliamentarians, two accompanying staff members and one external partner. 12. The delegation wishes to put on record their sincere thanks to all those who gave up their time during what was a very busy Assembly to meet with them for bilateral discussions. They would particularly like to thank Mr Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, the Icelandic Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, and Mr Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Deputy Chair of the Environment and Communications Committee for sharing information so willingly. The Committee members would also like to extend their appreciation to Mr Jean Lemire, Envoy for Climate change, Northern and Arctic Affairs, Government of Québec. Finally, the Members are especially grateful to the SPCB for creating this opportunity for them to attend, participate in, and observe the Assembly. Programme 13. Across the Assembly the delegation attended two plenary sessions and seven breakout sessions. They also held four bilateral meetings including a meeting with the Icelandic Minister of the Environment and Resources, Mr Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson; the Deputy Chair of the Environment and Communications Committee, Mr Ari Trausti Guðmundsson; the Government of Quebec‟s Envoy for Climate Change, Northern and Arctic Affairs, Mr Jean Lemire; and, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Head of Universities, Education and Skills, Morven Cameron and University Engagement Manager, Inga Burton. Informal conversations were also had with the Icelandic Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Ms Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, at the „dialogue reception‟ which she hosted.

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14. A copy of the visit programme is annexed to this report. The following summarises key issues discussed across the various meetings.

(L-R: Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Deputy Convener, Finlay

Carson MSP and Convener Gillian Martin MSP pictured outside the Althingi)

Thursday 10 October 2019 15. The delegation‟s first engagement was a bilateral meeting in the Parliament of Iceland (Althingi) with Mr Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Deputy Chair of the Environment and Communications Committee. Topics discussed included:

Iceland‟s Deposit Return Scheme: challenges and successes

Climate change and achieving net-zero carbon emissions

Natural Resource Management and Iceland‟s approach to protecting sensitive marine habitats.

Tourism in Iceland: benefits, challenges and sustainability

Land use change and land management 16. The Convener noted that there were many similarities between Scotland and Iceland in relation to population density, and an associated cultural identity rooted in the natural environment. However, Scotland still had work to do to achieve the levels of recycling and broader environmental awareness that Iceland has. 17. The Scottish Parliament should maintain contact with the Althingi, and seek collaboration on areas of mutual interest, including emissions reduction, the marine environment, restoring wetlands, and visitor management to protect the natural and historic environment.

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(L-R: Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, 2nd Deputy Chairman of the Icelandic Parliament’s Environment and Communications Committee and ECCLR Committee Convener,

Gillian Martin MSP and Deputy Convener, Finlay Carson MSP) 18. Following the above meeting in the Althingi (Icelandic Parliament), Finlay Carson MSP attended the breakout session on, “Research, Societal Needs and Policy for Innovative Technology and Instrumentation in the Arctic”.

19. Speakers at this session were Mr Sun Hong, Chief Engineer of the Administrative Center for China‟s Agenda 21; Mr Huginn Porsteinsson, Chair of the Committee on Iceland and the Fourth Industrial Revolution; Mr Huigen Yang, Director General, Polar Research Institute of China; and Mr Porsteinn Gunnarsson, the Icelandic Centre for Research.

20. The session aimed to explore the frontiers, gaps and developments for sustainable Arctic observing and networking technologies and instrumentations.

21. The Convener and Deputy Convener then attended the second breakout session of the afternoon, “Blue Business: A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Development in the Arctic”. Keynote speakers at this session included Mr Frode Mellemvik, Mr Erlend Bullvag, Ms Natalia Andreassen and Mr Andreas Raspotnik of Nord University in Norway.

22. This session focused on the rapid economic development taking place in many parts of the Arctic region and how questions are now being asked about the profitability, and sustainability, of this development as a result of climate change.

23. Upon conclusion of the final breakout session of the evening the Convener and Deputy Convener joined specially invited guests at a networking reception hosted by H.E. Mr Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland‟s Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources. The delegation spoke briefly with the Minister and thanked him for the following day‟s bilateral meeting. They also used this

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opportunity to engage with speakers and other invited participants at the Assembly to promote the ECCLR Committee‟s inaugural breakout session to key Assembly participants.

Friday 11 October 2019

24. The delegation began their second day with a bilateral meeting with Ms Morven Cameron, Head of Universities, Education and Skills and Ms Inga Burton, University Engagement Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

25. The Convener used this meeting to seek an update on the development of Scotland‟s eight Innovation Centres and to what extent they focus on rural and remote areas, environmental sustainability and decarbonisation.

26. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the key growth sectors in universities and skills in the Highlands and Islands and how Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the education and skills sectors are changing their approach in light of the declaration of the „climate emergency‟.

27. The “Blue Economy” (the overall contribution of the oceans to economies, the need to address the environmental and ecological sustainability of the oceans, and the ocean economy as a growth opportunity for both developed and developing countries) is of particular interest to HIE, including aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and wave and tidal energy. HIE sees a global opportunity in developing this sector and highlighted the need for a Blue Economy Strategy.

28. This issue will be highlighted to the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee to indicate what consideration, as part of its work programme, it is giving to the opportunities the blue economy might create in Scotland and what discussions it will have with HIE given its interest.

29. Members were particularly interested in the potential for sustainable rural development in the Blue Economy sector, and the economic benefits of clustering relevant activities, especially in priority areas for re-population like Argyll and the Outer Hebrides. As 2020 is the Year of Coasts and Waters, Members undertook to maintain an interest in this sector, and to ask appropriate questions when scrutinising the management of the marine environment.

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(L-R: Finlay Carson MSP, Gillian Martin MSP, Morven Cameron, Inga Burton)

30. The Convener attended a breakout session on “Smart Energy Arctic: Practical Solutions for Low-Carbon Transition”. It was chaired by Henry Burgess, Head of the UK National Environment Research Council Arctic Office and speakers included Natalie Lowery, Energy Systems Catapult; Scot Wheeler, University of Oxford; and Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Aquatera. 31. The session looked at possible smart energy solutions that could both meet the needs of local communities in the Arctic region as well as reduce the carbon footprint and strain on the environment. The speakers indicated that the UK is a world leader in low-carbon technologies, driving forward the development of future smart energy systems and their implementation at scale: from batteries to heating to transport solutions. 32. The session also focussed on the theme of climate change and low carbon transition with relevance to remote communities and the Arctic region. Such activity supports Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); 9 (Industries Innovation and Infrastructure); and 13 (Climate Action). The session showcased a number of UK-led innovative projects, initiatives and approaches that are aimed at providing cleaner, cheaper and more resilient energy. 33. The Deputy Convener attended a breakout session on “Renewable Energy Hybrid Power Generation Solutions for Remote Arctic Communities”. This session was organised by the United States Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory and chaired by Greg Poelzer from the University of Saskatchewan. Speakers included Gail Mosey, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Clay Koplin, Cordova Electric Cooperative; Gwen Holdman, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska; and Amy Halloran, Sandia National Laboratories. 34. The panel discussed renewable energy hybrid power generation solutions by combining renewable energy technologies, battery storage and diesel back-up to provide electricity to remote communities. Real life examples were shared along with

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considerations and challenges to implementation. It was stated that the installation of renewable energy into remote communities can improve resiliency and sustainability as well as enhance workforce development given installation and ongoing operation and maintenance. Lessons learned in one community could, they explained, be applied to another which can promote collaboration and sharing among Arctic states. 35. The Convener and Deputy Convener once again joined specially invited guests at a lunchtime networking reception hosted by H.E. Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Icelandic Minister of Education, Science and Culture. The delegation spoke briefly with the Minister as well as with other invited participants at the Assembly. Like the previous day‟s networking event, the delegation used this as an opportunity to promote the ECCLR Committee‟s inaugural breakout session at the Assembly. 36. Following the networking event, the delegation had a bilateral meeting with Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Icelandic Minister of the Environment and Resources. The Minister was supported at this meeting by Vanda Úlfrún Liv Hellsing, Head of Division, Department of Oceans, Water and Climate, Icelandic Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources. 37. The Convener and Deputy Convener discussed with the Minister the strategies the Icelandic Government has put in place to achieve Iceland‟s aim of being carbon neutral before 2040, as well as the targets set in this regard.

38. Discussion also turned to the issue of mainstreaming and whether this approach is being pursued by all departments of the Iceland Government i.e. has there been „buy-in‟ from everyone? 39. The Convener and Deputy Convener provided the Minister with an overview of the Committee‟s scrutiny of the recent Climate Change Bill and the ambitious targets contained within it. The Minister was very interested to hear about the Committee‟s work and these targets contained within the Bill and this was discussed at length. Discussion also turned to agriculture and land use as part of the Climate Change bill‟s net-zero target. 40. The Convener informed the Minister and his officials that she would be very happy to pass on further information relating to the recent Climate Change Act and the committee’s scrutiny of it. Since returning to Edinburgh the accompanying SPICe official, Alasdair Reid, has been liaising with Vanda Úlfrún Liv Hellsing at the Icelandic Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources and shared the following documents: ECCLR Committee Stage 2 Report into the Climate Change (Emissions Reductions) (Scotland) Bill; and the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan (CCP) which sets out their plans for all sectors, including agriculture. In addition to promoting the work of SPICe in the area of Climate Change (research briefings and blogs) Alasdair Reid also shared key contacts with the Ministry. 41. The Convener was very appreciative that the Minister once again found time in his busy diary for a bilateral meeting. That he did so, further reinforced the view of the Convener that there is a genuine interest by senior Arctic politicians to engage with the Scottish Parliament.

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(L-R: Convener, Gillian Martin MSP; Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Icelandic

Minister of the Environment and Resources; Deputy Convener, Finlay Carson MSP)

42. Following the meeting with the Environment Minister the delegation had a bilateral with Jean Lemire, Envoy for Climate Change, Northern and Arctic Affairs, Government of Québec. Mr Lemire explained that he has a general mandate to broaden Quebec‟s international commitment in the fields of northern and Arctic affairs and the fight against climate change – two priorities set out in the Quebec Government‟s International Policy. 43. The main topic of discussion at the bilateral were the targets introduced in both Quebec and Scotland to reduce emissions. Mr Lemire advised that Quebec has a target to reduce emissions by 37.5% by 2030 and 80-95% by 2050.

44. This engagement was subsequently highlighted by the Presiding Officer when he met with the President of the National Assembly of Quebec during his visit to Scotland. This was part of a wider discussion around common and shared policy interests in Scotland and Quebec.

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(L-R: Convener, Gillian Martin MSP; Jean Lemire, Envoy for Climate Change,

Northern and Arctic Affairs, Government of Québec; Deputy Convener, Finlay Carson MSP)

45. The full delegation attended a Scottish Government organised breakout session on “Empowering Rural and Island Communities: A Dialogue Between Scotland and the Arctic”. This session, led by the Scottish Government‟s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, focussed on the development of the Scottish Government‟s first Arctic Policy Framework (which was launched formally at the Assembly plenary) as well as the National Island Plan. 46. The Minister commented on the participative nature of the process that led to both the Arctic Policy Framework and National Island Plan and on the two-way discussions between institutions and local communities that have led to their completion. The delegation also attended the formal launch of the new Arctic Policy by the Minister at the following morning‟s plenary session

Saturday 12 October 2019 47. The Convener and Deputy Convener were joined by Professor Elisa Morgera, Global Environment Law and Co-Director, Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance, University of Strathclyde and, via Skype, by Charlotte Hartley, Member of the Just Transition Commission and Board Trustee at 2050 Climate Group to lead the first breakout session by a Scottish Parliament Committee at the Arctic Circle Assembly. The title of this session was “A Scottish Perspective on Climate Change, Climate Justice and Human Rights”. 48. There was considerable interest in this inaugural session led by the Convener and Deputy Convener with the room being at full capacity for the duration of the presentation and Q&A that followed. Attendees consisted of academics, politicians, business representatives and others from across the globe.

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49. The session explored the passage of the recent Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill and the creation of the UK‟s first Just Transition Commission. It also examined how Scotland is working to achieve transformational change across all sectors including transport, energy and agriculture.

50. The session also explored how Scotland can move towards a low-carbon, inclusive economy and examined the opportunities this offers to promote and safeguard citizens‟ environmental rights. A link to the presentation can be found here.

51. The session particularly benefitted from input from both Professor Elisa Morgera and Charlotte Hartley. SPICe and ECCLR clerks will maintain contact with external experts and continue to seek their advice and guidance where appropriate.

(L-R: Deputy Convener, Finlay Carson MSP; Professor Elisa Morgera, Global Environment

Law and Co-Director, Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance, University of Strathclyde; Convener, Gillian Martin MSP)

52. The full delegation attended the afternoon plenary for the keynote address by former United States Secretary of State, the Hon John Kerry. Secretary Kerry focussed his remarks on the climate crisis, as well as the ocean plastic waste issue. He also revealed that he intends to bring together a series of politicians to declare “World War Zero” against climate change. An announcement in this regard was to be made in the coming months. 53. Following Secretary Kerry‟s address, the Convener and Deputy Convener attended their final breakout session on “Climate Justice and our right to be cold”. Speakers at this session included Esau Sinnok, University of Alaska; Nagruk Harcheck, Vice President of Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation Lands; and Candice

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Pedersen, Government of Nanavut. This session focussed on the disruption climate change is currently having on communities native to the Arctic region, particularly in coastal areas.

Conclusions

54. Both Members found this visit to again be extremely useful, relevant and beneficial to the work of the Committee. They were particularly pleased with the positive feedback received from international academics, politicians and others who attended the inaugural breakout session and how this reflected well on the reputation and profile of the Scottish Parliament in general and the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee in particular. Given the clear interest in Scotland and its approach to climate change and other policy areas, it is recommended that a further breakout session be included as part of any future Scottish Parliament participation at the Assembly. 55. While it is for the SPCB to approve the funding of such visits, both Members believe that future participation by the Scottish Parliament should be supported. Further, given the breadth of issues discussed at the Assembly, there is scope to widen out participation to other committees (where there is a strong and justifiable business case). Officials in the International Relations Office have been invited to give further consideration to this.

56. Getting best value from the Assembly does require a careful look at the agenda to pin-point where value lies, as some breakout sessions have limited relevance. Opportunities for bi-lateral meetings, however, are numerous and provide much valuable interaction with a wide diversity of institutions and governments. It is recommended that officials in the International Relations Office once again explore opportunities for as many bilateral meetings as possible.

Given that topics of focus related predominantly to climate change, and its impacts on the marine environment, fisheries, human rights, infrastructure and tourism, there is significant scope for Members from other committees to benefit from the Arctic Circle conference. There is a particular need to mainstream emissions reduction and climate change adaptation policy across all Scottish Parliament committees; it is therefore recommended that MSPs from other committees attend in the future, and that the International Relations Office circulates the conference programme to all committees and the Convenors Group in the future.

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Annex A Visit Programme

Thursday 10 October 2019

Depart Edinburgh

Arrive Reykjavik

Bilateral meeting: Deputy Chairman of the Icelandic Parliament‟s Environment and Communications Committee, Mr Ari Trausti Guðmundsson

Breakout Session: Research, Societal Needs and Policy for Innovative Technology and Instrumentation in the Arctic

Breakout Session: Blue Business: A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Development in the Arctic

Dialogue Reception for Environmental Organizations Hosted by H.E. Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland‟s Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources

Friday 11 October 2019

Bilateral Meeting: Morven Cameron, Head of Universities, Education and Skills, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Inga Burton, University Engagement Manager

Breakout Session: Smart Energy Arctic: Practical Solutions for low-carbon transition

Breakout Session: Renewable Energy Hybrid Power Generation Solutions for Remote Arctic Communities

Dialogue Reception for Arctic Science Hosted by H.E. Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Iceland‟s Minister of Education, Science and Culture

Bilateral Meeting: Mr Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Iceland‟s Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources

Bilateral Meeting: Mr Jean Lemire, Envoy for Climate Change and Northern and Arctic Affairs, Government of Québec

Breakout Session: Empowering Rural & Islands Communities: A Dialogue Between Scotland and the Arctic

Saturday 12 October 2019

Plenary Session: Scotland‟s First Arctic Policy Framework: Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Scottish Government‟s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands.

*Scottish Parliament Breakout Session: A Scottish Perspective on Climate Change, Climate Justice & Human Rights

Plenary: Keynote by the Hon John Kerry, Former US Secretary of State

Breakout Session: Climate justice and our right to be cold Sunday 13 October 2019

Depart Reykjavik

Arrive Edinburgh