Source: TH
Context: The Northwest Passage is back in focus amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Canada and the U.S. disputing its legal status as internal waters vs international strait.
About the Arctic Region:
- What is the Arctic?
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- The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth, centered around the North Pole and defined by the Arctic Circle (66°30′ N latitude).
- Characterized by permafrost, polar climate, tundra vegetation, and extreme cold.
- It includes parts of eight countries: Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.
- Key Features:
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- Rich in natural resources: 13% of undiscovered oil, 30% of untapped gas, and vast reserves of rare earths and fisheries.
- Region experiencing rapid warming — almost four times faster than the global average.
- Hosts important shipping routes like the Northwest Passage and Northeast Passage.
- No singular treaty governs it like the Antarctic however it falls under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
About Northwest Passage Dispute:
- The Northwest Passage is a potential Arctic Sea route passing through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago.
- Canada claims it as internal waters, giving it controls over navigation.
- USA and others view it as international waters, ensuring freedom of passage.
- This legal dispute has intensified due to the melting of Arctic ice and increasing interest in commercial shipping.
About the Arctic Council:
- Establishment:
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- Founded in 1996 via the Ottawa Declaration.
- Serves as the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation.
- Member Nations (8): Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and United States.
- Key Features:
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- Focuses on sustainable development, environmental protection, and indigenous rights.
- Observer States include India, China, UK, Germany, and others.
- Post-Ukraine war, cooperation with Russia has declined, affecting Council unity.
- Unlike the Antarctic Treaty, the Arctic lacks a binding, demilitarized governance treaty.
