Arctic Ice Melting: National Security Implications

Abstract

Arctic ice melting will be the next global cataclysmic change that will have profound impacts on America's national security. The Arctic comprises nearly one-sixth of the world's total land mass and is projected to have an abundance of oil and natural gas reserves. Key maritime channels are now navigable for parts of the year and human activities are increasing due to improved access to the region. Accessible sea passages will have far-reaching impacts to global economies. As global trade routes become viable, oceanic transit shipping times decrease, markets expand, and global competition increases, political and economic friction is likely to increase which could lead to regional or global instability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2011
Accession Number
AD1030904

Entities

People

  • Dione Sturd

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Climate Change
  • Coast Guard
  • Commerce
  • Department Of Defense
  • Homeland Security
  • Indigenous Population
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Military Force Levels
  • National Security
  • Natural Resources
  • Ridges
  • United States
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Economics
  • Riverine Ecology
  • Strategic Security Studies