Truemors
GLOBAL WARMING CLEARING NORTH-WEST PASSAGE
Global
warming is making its impact in the Arctic, with a fabled sea route
from Europe to Asia now fully cleared of ice for the first time since
records began. Scientists have raised the prospect that the North-West
Passage, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, could become an open
shipping lane. But it's thought the development could also worsen
international disputes over navigational rights linked to Arctic oil.
There are predictions that global warming could leave the Arctic
virtually ice-free within decades. These images from the European Space
Agency's satellite signal a new milestone in the retreat of the ice.
This was the Arctic region just last year. Record rates of shrinkage
since are clearly visible, especially on the left hand side, showing
the North-West Passage, marked by the yellow line.
While highlighting the speed of climate change, the good news is a
waterway eyed for centuries as a potential trade route, is for the
first time fully navigable, offering quicker and cheaper transport than
via the Panama Canal. Commercial shippers are already planning.
But there are other reasons for an international scramble. The
Arctic is already becoming the focus of a global rush for oil and gas.
Last month, Russia planted its national flag under the North Pole. The
US, Canada and Denmark took steps of their own as they too claim
regions beyond accepted national economic zones. Opening the North-West
Passage then is about access to these resources, and shifting them. The
US claims it's an international strait, allowing free and unfettered
passage for all. But, as part of a decades-long dispute, Canada insists
the passage falls within its territorial waters. One international law
expert sees the matter potentially getting quite serious.
PROFESSOR DON ROTHWELL, ANU: It's especially a red-hot issue
in Canada because it's closely associated with Canadian sovereignty
over the Arctic. And also, it will be an issue in Russia, in the
context of navigation through what's called the North-East Passage, or
the northern sea route.
The issue shapes as a milestone in another sense.
PROFESSOR DON ROTHWELL: This is the first navigational issue that is arising as a result of the effect of climate change.
Japan and South Korea, too, he says, will be keenly watching how
navigation in the North-West Passage is freed up in coming years.
Rena Sarumpaet.
Comments (0)