The European Space Agency has published satellite images that show that the Northwest Passage in the Arctic is now open for the first time EVER in recorded history. This is due to the unprecedented Arctic melting this year- the current extent is 1 million kilometers below the previous minimum set in 2005. Though the U.N. Panel on Climate Change has predicted that the Arctic may have complete summer melt by 2070, other more recent credible estimates are much sooner- the National Snow and Ice Data Center, recognized as a top authority in Arctic measurements, recently predicted this could occur as early as 2020. The Northwest passage is the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe and has massive trade potential. We have also heard about the implications of all of the oil reserves predicted to be in this area. There are already fears that the opening of this region could cause a cold war between the US and other polar nations, particularly Canada. The President Bush claims that this passage is International Waters, contrary to Canada’s claims. Canada is beefing up military in this region to claim the ownership of the passage and protect its borders from people/drugs/weapons smuggling. And the plight of the polar bears? Let’s not go there. Folks, you can’t debate this. It’s real. Let’s do something about climate change NOW.
Image Credit: European Space Agency: “Envisat ASAR mosaic of the Arctic Ocean for early September 2007, clearly showing the most direct route of the Northwest Pssage open (orange line) and the Northeast passage only partially blocked (blue line). The dark gray colour represents the ice-free areas, while green represents areas with sea ice. “
cross-posted at http://www.local-warming.blogspot.com/
