Ice Race

Has the Cold War returned? The battle for resources will intensify military activities in the north and the chances of confrontations occurring will increase as energy reserves elsewhere in the world become depleted. Will we succeed in resolving this forthcoming energy crisis without resorting to the use military force?

The earth’s most vulnerable ecosystem is under threat from dying fish, oil spills and global warming. As the ice melts many people are being tempted to engage in predatory activities in the Arctic, an area from which fish have previously disappeared. Is history repeating itself?

The lives of practically everyone on earth would be different if we did not have oil and gas. Our reserves will soon become depleted. How would this impact on the vulnerable Arctic environment and the indigenous populations living in the area? Should Arctic considerations take precedence over the living standards of the rest of the world?

Will the countries in the north comply with international regulations while a desperate hunt for energy resource is taking place? Will it be possible to share this area without any military conflicts arising – and will the exploitation of natural resources be able to occur peacefully?

Global climate change has brought an unexpected benefit with the opening of a Northern Sea Route, a maritime highway connecting East Asia and Europe. This route bypasses the longer southern route through pirate-infested waters and could be a boon for trade, if everyone cooperates.