The Paradox of Svalbard: Climate Change and Globalisation in the Arctic

by Zdenka Sokolíčková, Thomas Hylland Eriksen (Foreword)

The town of Longyearbyen in the high Arctic is the world's northernmost settlement. Here, climate change is happening fast. It is clearly seen and sensed by the locals; with higher temperatures, more rain and permafrost thaw. At the same time, the town is shifting from state-controlled coal production to tourism, research, and development, rapidly globalizing, with numerous languages spoken, cruise ships sounding the horn in the harbor, and planes landing and taking off.

Zdenka Sokolícková lived here between 2019-2021, and her research in the community uncovered a story about the conflict between sustainability and the driving forces of politics and economy in the rich global North. A small town of 2,400 inhabitants at 78 degrees latitude north on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Longyearbyen provided a unique view into the unmistakable relationship between global capitalism and climate change.

The Paradox of Svalbard  looks at both local and global trends to access a deep understanding of the effects of tourism, immigration, labor, and many other elements on the trajectory of the climate crisis, and whether anything can be done to reverse them.

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published July 20, 2023

Reviews

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential literature for people wanting to understand current affairs in Longyearbyen and Svalbard. A very interesting and insightful read. Would have loved more personal stories from locals and a more elaborate discussion/conclusion at the end, but overall a very good book.

[Jouke Gaastra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zedenka peels back the romanticised layers of Arctic life to reveal the complex reality of living in Longyearbyen. The book's academic opening is admittedly heavy going, but it transforms into something more engaging as personal anecdotes and quotes illuminate the author's analysis.

What makes this worthwhile is how it challenges preconceptions. If you've ever wondered what life is actually like in one of the world's most remote communities, beyond the postcard imagery, this delivers those answers.

[Coco Gelato · Rating 5 out of 5]

erudite yet accessible and wonderfully detailed. bravo