The melting of the icecap, the most visible sign of global warming, could cause serious problems for collective security. The opening of new navigation routes and access to new resources give rise to considerable strategic upheaval. Whilst Russia has for some time affirmed its wish to invest in the region, the reaction from its neighbours is still awaited. The stakes in the High North are not only environmental but also have a direct impact on the security of the Western world. (Summary of the report ‘The northern dimension of European security’ by the Western European Union/European Security and Defence Assembly, dated 5 November 2008.)
Security in the Arctic
‘The northern dimension of Europe’s security is increasingly being determined by climate change in the Arctic. Global warming happens faster in the High North than in other areas.'(1)
The Arctic ecosystem is fragile and environmental changes have a direct impact on both human life and wildlife, and on collective security. The melting of the permafrost is in fact opening up access to new exploration zones for oil and gas and giving rise to new claims from the surrounding countries. New conflicts can be foreseen as the Arctic moves towards becoming a major oil-producing area. As well as the upheaval in maritime traffic, new questions of sovereignty are emerging, such as that of Greenland or the North Pole.
A major source of tension comes from the ever-increasingly heavy-handed Russian approach in the High North. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has stated: ‘We must surely, and for the long-term future, secure Russia’s interests in the Arctic.’ This robustness is pushing neighbouring countries, particularly Canada and the United States, into asserting themselves in the region.
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