RSSArctic Gold Rush: The New Race for Tomorrow’s Natural Resources
1
Book description from Amazon:
This book presents a fascinating study of the impact Arctic reserves have – and will continue to have – on the global political and environmental stages. On 2 August 2007, a Russian submarine captured world headlines by making a dangerous journey to the bottom of the Arctic seabed and planting a metal, rust-free national flag more than 14,000 feet beneath the North Pole. The aim was to assert Russia’s legal sovereignty over a region whose importance had only recently started to become apparent as its melting ice had made, or was expected to make, vast natural resources open to exploitation. The latest estimates are that the region holds around 13 per cent of the world’s undiscovered oil and as much as 30 per cent of undiscovered natural gas reserves that would be hugely profitable for any country that managed to secure control over them. Gold, platinum, copper and other precious metals have also been found along the coast. Neighbouring countries – Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway – are already doing everything they can to mark out new borders. The ensuing political disagreements over the issue are already rife. In particular, games of political intrigue between Moscow and Washington are being played out in the region. But as the world’s resources become increasingly scarce and valuable, could the scramble for Arctic resources become violent? Could a ‘War for the Arctic’ be fought?
About the Author
Roger Howard is a writer and broadcaster specialising in international relations. His most recent publications are The Oil Hunters (2008) and Iran Oil: The New Middle East Challenge to America (2006).
Because of the melting Arctic ice, it looks like polar bears are turning to an unusual source of food: other polar bears.
Earlier this month, the Alaskan government invited companies to place bids in order to win the rights to explore for oil and gas in the Beaufort Sea – including a section that is being claimed by both the United States and Canada. In response to the move, Canada has laid a complaint with Washington. 
During a speech to the Economic Club of Canada that took place yesterday in Toronto, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said that Canada is at the ready to defend its Arctic borders, protecting itself against other nations that might “push the envelope” when it comes to their own Arctic rights. Lawrence made it very clear that even though scientists are not finished mapping Canada’s northern boundaries, the country is taking its responsibility for its Arctic region serious. 
According to Jimmy Stotts, president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, the issue of climate change must be tackled immediately. The ICC represents the Inuit populations of Russia, Alaska, Greenland and Canada.