One of the major effects of global warming is the melting of ice in the arctic region. This has resulted in the opening of a navigable route between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), melting of sea ice in the Arctic region has led to the opening of a new route linking Europe with Asia, hitherto seen impossible. According to scientists, all ice in Arctic may melt as early as 2040.
Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic is considered to be a possible cheaper route as compared to the Panama Canal. This may also lead to the blocked Northwest Passage through the Russian Arctic.
The above suggests that climatic change is affecting international routes favorably. Melting of ice in the Arctic may not only lead to finding of more routes, but also more oil and gas. Whole of Arctic region is considered to be resource rich with immeasurable quantities of oil and gas which Scandinavian countries, Canada, Russia and USA would like to control and exploit.
Because of richness of natural resources many countries like Canada and Russia are likely to make increased claims on the Arctic region. Other countries involved are US, Norway and Denmark. Russia alone is claiming 45% of the Arctic. Canada is in the process establishing a Canadian force as part of Canada First Defense Strategy to patrol Arctic.
At present Arctic region represents a no man’s land. Increased claims by various countries on this will have to be based on geographic connectivity and proximity. These claims will eventually have to be settled by an international agency.
While global warming is considered to be generally harmful, in some cases it also has beneficial effects like the above. However, in the longer run, it is feared that increased sea traffic and exploitation of natural resources may result in oil spills and destruction of regional wildlife.
