The Climate Threat Global Challenges

Climate change behind contaminated drinking water in Svalbard

Climate change is causing heavy metals to thaw out of the permafrost, contaminating the drinking water on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, according to *The Guardian*. Residents of the main settlement, Longyearbyen, must collect all their water in containers from the local brewery, which is assisting with purification efforts.

"It is not an option to let climate change make it impossible to live in Longyearbyen," outgoing Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen told TV2 during a recent visit.

The fact that Svalbard is warming five times faster than the global average is also affecting buildings, which are sinking as the permafrost thaws. However, the problem could become much more significant, according to climate researcher Ketil Isaksen.

"We fear that permafrost areas could release carbon dioxide and methane, which could further accelerate global warming," he told NRK.

Norway: "Secure access to water is part of emergency preparedness"

At a time when both Russia and the United States are seeking to expand their presence in the Arctic, it is an explicit goal of the Norwegian government that Svalbard should continue to have a civilian population. As reported by NRK, a reliable water supply is essential to making this possible.

"Secure access to water is a key component of emergency preparedness on Svalbard," State Secretary Kristine Kallset told the broadcaster.

According to *The Guardian*, heavy metals are contaminating the water across the archipelago as a result of the thawing permafrost. Residents collect their drinking water in containers from the local brewery, which serves as a water treatment plant.

“We help each other out—those of us who live here. But, of course, it’s sad that we can’t drink the tap water,” brewery manager Ronny Strømsnes tells TV2.