Why is the Arctic important to the United States?

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. There are across the entire Arctic oil, gas, coal, rare-earth metals, and fisheries.

Why is the Arctic Ocean important to Russia?

As it has the longest Arctic coastline, as well as the most populous and industrialized Arctic region of all northern states, and a significant quantity of natural resources in the north, Russia holds the sources of material power needed to solidify its presence in the Arctic, both through the development of its Arctic …

Why are Arctic nations interested in expanding their seabed territory?

Some of these nations have claimed parts of the region to be their territory. Underlying the interests in the area are potentially vast oil, gas and other resources, as well as the opening up of lucrative passages for trade and economic activity. As a result, these nations have been vying for dominance in the Arctic.

What is the strategic importance of the Arctic?

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.

How does the Arctic affect the world?

And the Arctic helps to regulate the world’s temperature, so as more Arctic ice melts the warmer our world becomes. These are the facts: Melting ice speeds up climate change. When the Arctic ice melts, the oceans around it absorb more sunlight and heat up, making the world warmer as a result.

How do humans impact the Arctic ocean?

Humans in the Arctic have become more vulnerable to coastal erosion and face having to relocate their communities away from coastlines. Thawing permafrost has led to more wildfires and affected infrastructure, while rising ocean temperatures and acidification have already altered marine fisheries.

Who does the Arctic belong to?

Today, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Iceland and the USA each have territory that lies within the Arctic Circle. Having a claim in the Arctic, with its natural resources, tourism and research opportunities, can prove to be incredibly valuable for these countries.

What does the US want from the Arctic?

The policy calls for the US to “assert a more active and influential national presence to protect its Arctic interests and project sea power throughout the region,” and to secure free passage of vessels through the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route.

Why does India take interest in the Arctic region?

IAP sees the Arctic as “the largest unexplored prospective area for hydrocarbons remaining on earth” besides its vast reserves of mineral deposits. It also keeps in perspective India’s investment in Russia which amounts to $15 billion in oil and gas projects.