Link to the BBC Article
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Arctic Ocean Highway?
Its not hard to understand that with Earth's increasing temperatures we see less and less ice each year. It has been in the news for years that slowly the world's glaciers and north pole sea ice are disappearing. But with the disappearance of the ice, the Arctic Ocean is becoming more accessible. Predictions are being made as to how accessible the ocean will be, with some reports stating that even ships without ice protection can be a regular sight on the arctic shipping lanes. As of now traveling through the arctic involves navigating close to either Canada or Siberia. However, with more ice disappearing each year the ocean is becoming more traversable to ships. These new routes directly across the Pole can be open as soon as the middle of the century or at the latest by the end. This would allow for a faster connection between Europe and the Far East, but not have a significant effect of Northwest Ports such as New York. The author of this BBC article seems to lean in favor of this occurrence. One reason being that the author fails to mention the disastrous effects that loss of sea ice can cause. I think that the traversing of the arctic will bring more economic opportunity to places that have been barren and economically stricken in comparison to what I am used to, but I have to also look at the other affects. I would much prefer to have the ice remain frozen than to have ships sail through what once was impenetrable. My reasoning behind this is that with ever decreasing ice, species that depend on the ice and ice flows, such as Polar bears and Walruses, are beginning to vanish. To me the continual existence of such unique and captivating creatures is much more valuable than shaving a few days off of shipping. Is the existence of Polar bears, the highly charismatic white bears, worth the difference of a few days in shipping time? In my eyes stricter actions must be taken to save what little ice in hopes of preserving a very beautiful, surreal, and delicate ecosystem.
Link to the BBC Article
Link to the BBC Article
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Though yes it is true this is tragic however this ice can and does melt in the summer only to refreeze so this isn't unusual.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the author does for a living. Perhaps he's an economist? Or maybe he's just a jerk that hates polar bears.
ReplyDeleteI like your stance against this article. I agree- it seems they're focusing on the economics of this and forgetting to think about the issuing causing the ice melt and the ones that will follow. It seems weird to have someone think positively of an aspect of climate change, especially when they don't consider how terrible it will be when the ice is gone.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the author does for a living. Perhaps he's an economist? Or maybe he's just a jerk that hates polar bears.
ReplyDeleteWith the warming temperature as the years go on, the water will make many negative impacts to the local society and people there but will gain economic benefits form trade. The article was super interesting and how you have a different prospective than the author on this problem of the ice melting. I'm agreeing with you on this!
ReplyDeleteYou responded well to the article and reflected the more economic view of the BBC article. I strongly agree with you that the ice melting has more of a negative impact especially for the polar bears and walruses who depend on the North Pole sea ice. Yes, it will be much more convenient for ships to pass through the Arctic however, that money and time that new path will save will not equal the limited time that these animals have to live.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job addressing the debate between environment and economics. I do also agree with you that although this trade route could economically benefit some areas, the environmental effects need to be considered. However, if there is nothing that can be done to prevent the sea ice from melting, this could make an efficient shipping route.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job addressing the debate between environment and economics. I do also agree with you that although this trade route could economically benefit some areas, the environmental effects need to be considered. However, if there is nothing that can be done to prevent the sea ice from melting, this could make an efficient shipping route.
ReplyDeleteWow! The article that you reviewed got a lot of attention! It is unusual to look at the benefits of melting ice in this way. I suppose that I'm also surprised with the BBCs coverage - judging from your post the arguments made are pretty simplistic.
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