10 Questions
What is the role of icebreaker ships in the Arctic?
Clearing the ice so ships for tourism and trade can follow
Why has the United States started viewing the Arctic through a military-security lens?
Increased militarization of Russia and other Arctic nations
What is the purpose of the Arctic Council?
Promotes cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic States and indigenous communities
How does the Arctic Council contribute to governance in the Arctic?
By providing a cooperative framework for discussing regional matters
Which country, aside from Russia, is most invested in the Arctic and dependent on it economically?
Norway
What kind of forum is the Arctic Council?
Intergovernmental
Why is the Arctic not considered an ungoverned, lawless region?
Due to the cooperative framework established by the Arctic Council and various treaties
What message has the United States sent to Russia in the Arctic?
That its every move is being watched
How has Norway responded to the changing dynamics in the Arctic?
By increasing its military presence
Which organization is also active in the Arctic region, conducting large military exercises?
NATO
Study Notes
Arctic Region
- The Arctic Ocean's natural riches lie under the ice-covered area, which is decreasing due to unprecedented warming.
- The Arctic sea ice has decreased significantly over the last 50 years, linked to global warming and rising sea levels.
Arctic Sea Ice
- The Arctic sea ice reflects 80% of sunlight back into space, acting as an "air conditioner" for the planet.
- The ice-free ocean absorbs 90% of sunlight, causing the sea to heat up and Arctic temperatures to rise.
- The year-round sea ice has greatly diminished, decreasing by 4% every decade, with predictions of the Arctic Ocean being ice-free by mid-century (as soon as 2040).
Ice Sheets
- There are only two ice sheets on Earth, covering most of Greenland and Antarctica, containing over 99% of the freshwater ice on Earth.
Arctic Governance
- The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States and the Arctic indigenous communities on common Arctic issues, such as sustainable development and environmental protection.
Military Presence
- The increased militarization of Russia and other Arctic nations has prompted the United States to view the Arctic through a military-security lens.
- The United States, NATO, Norway, and Canada have upped their military presence in the region.
Climate Change Consequences
- The Arctic is warming at an alarming rate, 23 times the global average, with catastrophic consequences, including melting ice sheets and glaciers, warming waters, and receding sea ice.
- The consequences are affecting local ecosystems and are predicted to have a significant impact on rising sea levels worldwide.
Explore the effects of unprecedented warming on the Arctic sea ice and ice sheets, and their impact on global warming and rising sea levels worldwide.
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