Melting Arctic Region Uncovers Resources

Stephanie Adams
November 21^st, 2008

The Arctic is the region of the world showing the most impact from global warming. Many countries in and surrounding the Arctic region are beginning to notice the many possible resources that will be uncovered and want to make sure to get their piece of the pie. The melting of Arctic ice is likely to bring more fishing, fossil fuel and shipping opportunities with shorter routes. But before they can start jumping in on those opportunities there are rules and regulation that need to be discussed and implemented between the nations in order to prevent any more negative environmental effects.

The European Union (EU), United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the World Wide Fund for Nature International (WWF) has all shown great concern for the Arctic. The EU expressed their interest in creating a plan to keep the Arctic from damage that could be caused by exploitation. The EU has 3 countries who are members of the Arctic Council including Denmark, Finland and Sweden. The EU would like for UNCLOS to strengthen their environmental guidelines and create a new and separate Arctic Charter focusing specifically on the protection of that region. Other Arctic countries such as Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the U.S. are not in favor of the charter. WWF sees the Charter as a step toward protecting the Arctic but worries that UNCLOS does not have the strength to completely protect the Arctic and worries that there are not enough infrastructures to clean up oils spills if oil development occurs. Discussion between these organizations is continuing.

http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2008/11/eu-seeks-role-in-the-arctic/63153.aspx