The Arctic in transition: energy, resilience & national security
8 February 2022, 12:00 - 13:15 ET [18:00 - 19:15 CET]
Retreating Arctic ice cover presents challenges far beyond global sea level rise. As a result of climate change, the Arctic is among the fastest warming regions in the world. As such, novel shipping routes, illegal fishing activity, and nuclear submarine hiding places are emerging as the region becomes more accessible for a longer period throughout the year. Increased access to untapped oil, gas, and critical mineral reserves – an estimated $1 trillion worth – paired with a longer extraction season is sure to heighten tensions as countries seek to capitalize on these opportunities. Given these realities and the effects on Indigenous communities, melting sea ice simultaneously poses commercial, energy, and military challenges likely to exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions.
These new challenges emphasize the need to strengthen international agreements and rules to tackle the region’s shared challenges. This discussion will highlight the opportunities of the Arctic region to ensure environmental protection and resilience, common security, appropriate resource development, and the rights of Indigenous inhabitants.
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This description was excerpted from atlanticcouncil.org.