Safety in the High-Arctic

Abstract

Longyearbyen, the northernmost city in the world located in Svalbard, experiences the highest global impact of climate change. The city’s population is diverse, comprising approximately 40% non-Norwegian and 60% Norwegian inhabitants. Despite extreme weather conditions and significant seasonal variations, residents maintain their daily lives in this remote area. This study explored the sense of safety among Longyearbyen’s population through qualitative interviews and grounded theory analysis. We identified a core category: sense of vulnerability, and two main categories: social safety and physical safety. Social safety was influenced by strong community bonds yet threatened by new regulations that create divisions between Norwegian and non-Norwegian residents, fostering an in-group and out-group dynamic. Physical safety concerned arise from increasing natural hazards and the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure. Overall, while residents generally feel safe and enjoy living in Longyearbyen, there is a growing awareness of both social and physical safety hazards.