As human activity continues to increase in the Arctic, it will become more and more important for the United States to demonstrate its strength in the region . Failure to do so could allow the friction of human interaction to grow into needless regional confrontation with global implications.
Why is the Arctic strategically important?
Strategically, the Arctic enjoys the unique – and also somewhat precarious – position as a ‘buffer zone’ between the two superpowers; the USA and the USSR. On the out- skirts of the Arctic region, the Barents Sea has become, in military-political terms, one of the most important sea areas in the world.
What does the U.S. want from the Arctic?
The goals stated in the United States Arctic Policy released in NSPD-66 on January 9, 2009, are as follows: Meet national security and homeland security needs relevant to the Arctic region; Protect the Arctic environment and conserve its biological resources ; Ensure that natural resource management and economic ...
What are the benefits of the Arctic?
The Arctic also helps circulate the world’s ocean currents, moving cold and warm water around the globe . We need your help to tackle climate change, and to safeguard the Arctic from its worst effects.
Why we need to talk about military activity in the Arctic towards an Arctic military code of conduct?
The apparent uneasiness of many Arctic policymakers, experts, communities and other stakeholders show towards even entertaining discussions about military activity in the Arctic only heightens the risk of poor decision -making, and increases the risk of miscalculation and tactical error.
Why is the U.S. interested in the Arctic?
In addition to the great potential for shipping through the Arctic, there is considerable capacity for economic expansion based on the abundant natural resources in the region. ... The retreat of sea ice and glacial melt is making these resources more accessible to Arctic and interested near-Arctic nations like China.
Why is the Arctic important to the United States?
Help the U.S. Arctic expand its contribution to the nation’s economy and security through sustainable development of energy , minerals, fisheries, transportation and tourism. Help Arctic residents implement effective strategies to adapt to climate change and maintain biodiversity in the region.
What are the eight Arctic nations?
The members of the Arctic Council include the eight Arctic States ( Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States ).
Who Owns the Arctic?
All land, internal waters, territorial seas and EEZs in the Arctic are under the jurisdiction of one of the eight Arctic coastal states: Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States (via Alaska). International law regulates this area as with other portions of Earth.
Did you know facts about the Arctic?
The name ‘Arctic’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘near the bear’. The coldest recorded temperature in the Arctic is around −68 °C (−90 °F). Over recent years, the Arctic region has shrunk due to global warming. Small shrubs can grow in warmer parts of the Arctic, as well as various herbs, mosses and lichens.
Why is the Arctic in danger?
Climate change poses the greatest danger to the Arctic and its wildlife. The Arctic is warming twice as fast as any place on the planet. ... Warmer seas are changing the range and seasonal cycles of Arctic fisheries. Some fish are moving to deeper, cooler waters, by moving northward.
What are the problems in the Arctic?
Three main interrelated issues regarding the Arctic environment are climate change, changes in biological diversity, and the accumulation of toxic substances . The effects of these changes are becoming increasingly evident in the North.
How can we protect the Arctic?
Reducing your carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels can help save the Arctic. Discover practical ways you can make a difference, from joining our campaigns to shopping greener at the supermarket and making your home energy efficient.
Who is in the Arctic Council?
The eight countries with sovereignty over the lands within the Arctic Circle constitute the members of the council: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States .
How does Alaska benefit the US?
Today Alaska is one of the richest U.S. states thanks to its abundance of natural resources , such as petroleum, gold and fish, as well as its vast expanse of pristine wilderness and strategic location as a window on Russia and gateway to the Arctic.
Is the Arctic in America?
The Arctic (/ˈɑːrtɪk/ or /ˈɑːrktɪk/) is a polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of Alaska (United States), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden.
