Matthew Homsher (9th Period) Racing to the Arctic

Summary: It is predicted that by 2030 most of the Arctic will be clear of ice year round, which is why President Barack Obama has become the first U.S. president to travel above the Arctic Circle while in office. The United States is already behind other countries in the race to claim control in the warming Arctic. The most predominant among countries already active in the region is Russia, which has already set up 10 search and rescue bases. Meanwhile, the United States does not have any ice-capable warships in its Navy and has little experience navigating in the Arctic. The other potential competitors in the region include South Korea, China, and Singapore, which consider using the new ocean area to ship cargo to European markets. The economic incentive for control of the Arctic Circle is high. There are many areas within the Circle that have a 50% or higher chance of large undiscovered oil and gas reserves. Shell has already started exploratory drilling in the area. Five ships from the U.S. Coast Guard are also scheduled to monitor the area from June to October.

Analysis: It’s good that we can reap the benefits of climate change in the Arctic Circle. It’s about time that we catch up in this race. The next step would definitely be to get some ice-capable ships built, and to start using the new ocean area in trade.

For more information click on the link below. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/world/united-states-russia-arctic-exploration.html?_r=0