Northern Lights Against POPs: Combatting Toxic Threats in the Arctic

David Quiring teaches history at the University of Saskatchewan.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their impact on the earth’s
Arctic regions are the topic of this timely book. Residents of the
circumpolar north recently discovered, to their dismay, that their
seemingly pristine environment suffers from severe pollution that
originates in distant industrialized regions of the planet. The problem
and strategies for dealing with it are addressed in this collection of
papers by international contributors who include scientists, academics,
concerned citizens, representatives of interested organizations, and
policymakers. Importantly, the collection also contains an Inuit
perspective.

Part 1 presents evidence of the presence of POPs in the Arctic.
Alarmingly, the milk of Inuit mothers contains a great variety of
pollutants at levels much higher than those found in mothers’ milk
elsewhere. Arctic peoples who renew their connections with the land by
eating traditional northern foods (especially marine mammals) consume
deadly toxins. Part 2 describes international actions to combat POPs.
The 2001 Stockholm Convention on POPs, signed by 151 governments,
represents a major step. And there is optimism that the ban on a number
of the most dangerous organic pollutants will eventually restore the
environmental health of the Arctic.

Northern Lights Against POPs will appeal to those with a scientific
background and some familiarity with northern environmental issues. For
the interested general reader, the editors have helpfully included
appendixes and other aids to ensure smooth sailing through the
scientific jargon and multitude of acronyms.