Russia Controls Melting Arctic

Jean-Christophe André Pexels

One reason that the Trump Administration would like to own Greenland is that the northern part of the huge island borders the Arctic coastline. However the northern most parts of the US, with the exception of parts of Alaska,  are hundreds of miles away. 

*The Arctic Environment

*Incredibly Fast Melting

*Fires Start In The Arctic

The Russian proximity advantage has strategic military value. It has bases there, some of which are parts of the Russian army. Its navy also patrols areas around Greenland. 

Another benefit is that much of the ice has melted due to global warming. This means that commercial ships can save hundreds of miles in transit when they navigate through the Arctic Circle. 

According to Semafor, “The number of voyages through the Northern Sea Route has climbed steadily, from fewer than 20 in 2015 to almost 100 in 2024.” Russian dominance, according to the same analysis, has allowed China’s ships to use the same route. The area through which these ships travel is known as the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

How Much Melting Happens

According to The Arctic Institute, “Whereas a voyage from Japan to Europe takes roughly 29 days via the Cape of Good Hope and 22 days via the Suez Canal, it takes just 10 days via the Arctic Ocean.” Climate change has helped shipping companies make money.

NASA reports, “Summer Arctic sea ice extent is shrinking by 12.2% per decade due to warmer temperatures.”

The melting Arctic has touched off both political advantages and an environmental disaster.

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