Global Warming opens new opportunities for Russia in the Arctic region

The Russian tanker came to rescue the town of Nome in Alaska, which faced a major shortage of life-sustaining fuel supplies due to the severe blizzard. This particular case was an example of international cooperation in the Arctic region, however, this may not always be the case as Russians plan to “develop the Arctic” and strengthen their positions in the region. Due to the polar ice cap melting as a result of the global warming, the new shipping lanes and oil and gas mining sites become available, giving Russia a hope to revive its former influence in the Arctic seas. Despite the severe weather conditions in the region, Russia is planning to build build offshore drilling platforms, ice-capable support ships and even a floating airstrip to service oil fields. Another ambitious plan of Russia is to make the Northern Sea Route open all year round. This shipping route will significantly reduce costs of shipping and eliminate the pirate attack threat. Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, called the Northern Sea Route a quicker and pirate-free rival of the Suez Canal, emphasizing the benefits of the Russian shipping route.

And even though Arctic severe winter weather imposes great barriers to the construction of the offshore platforms and tankers and shipping merchandise, Russian officials say that they are still willing to take over this project as it will give Russia a head start in developing the Arctic region. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/27/us-russia-arctic-idUSTRE80Q1FA20120127

Oksana Vernygora