This morning I gave my presentation in International Studies class about the Arctic. Pretty interesting place, actually, and the region is becoming increasingly important both economically and politically. A few highlights:
Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the United States all regard parts of the Arctic seas as "national waters."
The Arctic Council oversees non-military issues faced by Arctic states and indigenous groups.
Some climate models predict that trans-Arctic voyages may be possible within a decade, which would cut shipping times from East Asia to Northern Europe by 40%.
In 2009 the US Geological Survey estimated that the Arctic contains 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas and about 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil (mostly offshore).
Two years ago, Russia dispatched a nuclear-powered icebreaker and two submarines to plant its flag on the North Pole's sea floor:
. . .
P.S. I recently found out that it is possible to have a car accident without turning the engine on.
This morning I gave my presentation in International Studies class about the Arctic. Pretty interesting place, actually, and the region is becoming increasingly important both economically and politically. A few highlights:
. . .