Climate Change Is Altering High Latitude Oceans Flashcards
How many people live bordering the Arctic Ocean?
4 million
Who are the native people?
Inuit and Chukchi
What do the natives hunt?
Walrus and seals
Why is hunting becoming more dangerous? (2)
Thinning ice and decreasing cover
Severe weather
How far can countries claim the sea bed?
Maximum of 280km beyond their EEZ
What sort of resources do countries want rights to?
Non-living (oil, gas, minerals)
Where did Russia put its flag?
Lomonsov ridge - submarine mountain chain
What event is happening in all bordering countries?
Militarization
Who is the main conflict between?
USA and Russia
What is the impact of warming on mineral reserves?
Warming melts sea ice and tundra revealing vast reserves
How much oil is in the Arctic?
90 billion barrels
How much natural gas is in the Arctic?
47 billion m cubed
Who wants to recover the reserves?
Global transnational corporations (energy and mining)
Who adjudicates the conflicts?
UNCLOS
When did the first unescorted cargo ship sail through the North West Passage?
2014
Why do shipping companies have interest in the North West Passage and Northern Sea Route?
Reducing costs by the cutting of distance
What distance does the Northern Sea Route cut?
East Asia and Europe/ North America
How could using the trade routes increase costs? (4)
High fuel consumption
Experienced crew needed for Arctic conditions
Higher insurance
Escorting ice breaker
How many ships are expected to be operating in the Artic Ocean by 2025?
200-300
Who manages the Arctic Ocean?
The Arctic Council
There is no comprehensive treaty protecting the Arctic from economic activities. True or false?
True
Who were some of the original members of the Arctic council?
Canada, USA, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland
