Arctic Nations Debate Their Industrial Future

"Can these governments strike the right balance between economic and environmental concerns?"

I really doubt it. Who cares about pristine wilderness, sealife, clean water, unexplored territory, migratory animals and indigenous people when there's oil? Oil, people! Come and get it! Come lay waste to Canada's North! Industrialize some of the last virgin land on the planet! Deplete my fish stocks! Tell me again how you'll protect my land and sea but secretly plan how to rape the sh*t out of it!

Puuuuuuuuuuuke.

The race for exploration rights is already happening. Russia recently planted their flag on the seafloor, and the courts are deciding who gets what.

O God, I'm gonna barf again...

No, they can't. That's why the Arctic is melting in the first place.

Afaict the industrial/oil/government folks are simply delighted that the Arctic is melting, as it gives them a chance to get at/ship out the goodies.

Can they strike the balance... no. Can they cooperate on decisions that affect the rest of the world.... no.

That makes us Canadians 3 for 3 unanimous, so far.

If we accept that global warming will permit future access to Arctic resources, then we must lay down rules today for exploration and exploitation for the whole of the Arctic. I do not want to enter into an argument of Anthropogenic global warming or Natural global warming. Today, I am convinced that the Arctic Ice will be less and less as we move forward in time. I do believe it may be centuries before we will see year round passage of shipping in the Arctic. But we will see summer passage/access as normal within most lifetimes.

Hopefully, political solutions will be made and sane minds will prevent something like an environmental disaster. Worse would be that there will be a failure of political will and military might may be required. The opening of the opportunities in the north will be tempting for a lot of countries needing scarce resources. The Canadian and USA Arctic is rich in mineral resources and has yet to reach its potential. I am a firm believer that Canada should prepare to build a naval port to serve the Arctic. In conjunction with that Canada should also have a fleet of nuclear powered subs to monitor, patrol, and readied for rescue action. Scientific exploration may require such submarines. Canada does have a phase one of four plan to secure such a port but has not yet committed to building a nuclear fleet. Initially the Arctic port will provide fuel and ice breaking capabilities. Eventually, the base will be fully servicing the needs of the military in the Arctic. This port alone, will create a stir of industrial activity. What we need to enhance such Arctic development are sets of enforceable and secure rules and guidelines for any activity in the Arctic. We in Canada know all too well that the international community will scour the fishing areas if no rules are applied. The Arctic is a sensitive area and requires diligent care. We do not need a BP disaster in the Arctic. However, it is also unrealistic to think no one will exploit the resources available in the area. Good luck to the Greenland gathering.

This season an ice island from Greenland is headed our way, apparently. Judging past experience of the wind blowing off bergy water, we're in for a chilly August. I just hope the tourists are rich and free spending! (I should go into the extra sweater business, perhaps).

Ice bergs are a big draw by themselves. Last time I was on the Northern Peninsula in late July, about 8 years ago, there were lots of bergs. On a clear day, they are spectacular. I managed to have a small boat tour and very up close look. Lots of humpbacks in the area. Newfoundland is my favorite province and would visit at any opportunity. Both my parents were from the rock as were my 3 older bros. I really don't mind the cold but don't like rain. Cheers and thanks for the article.

Well said.

Respect for our sovereignty is crucial and our government must stand and protect what is ours.

Certain nations claim that our arctic waters are international and send vessels in with impunity.

A military presence is absolutely necessary to promote that sovereignty.

The melting of sea ice will allow the Northwest Passage to remain open longer and longer. Who knows, maybe we'll eventually find Sir John Franklin.

I had the pleasure of travelling to Inuvik many years ago on vacation. We chose to drive. We left Edmonton, up through Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Dawson City, to Invuik. Back down to Dawson City, across to Alaska, down through BC and home. Camping all the way, which requires certain precautions to avoid being eaten. I was profoundly struck by the remoteness of the communities up there. Listening to two wolf packs howling back and forth was right out of a Farley Mowat book. Spine tingling. The history and unspoiled grandeur was mindblowing. That trip created such an interest in me about the North. I read everything I can find on the Gold Rush, Arctic exploration and early pioneering.

Hopefully, the nations at this conference will recognize what a jewel the North is and strive to preserve it.