The Arctic region, once a remote and largely unexplored expanse, is rapidly transforming. Melting sea ice, a direct consequence of climate change, is opening up new navigable waters and exposing vast reserves of natural resources. This transformation presents unprecedented opportunities, but also significant challenges, particularly regarding national security, ecosystem services, and historical precedents. Countries bordering the Arctic – including Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway, and Denmark (via Greenland) – have long-standing claims to portions of the Arctic Ocean, based on extensions of their continental shelves. However, the exact boundaries remain contested, leading to potential conflicts over resource extraction. The potential for conflict is heightened by the region's strategic importance. The Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offers a significantly shorter shipping route compared to traditional channels, making it highly coveted for commercial purposes. Furthermore, the Arctic holds substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, and valuable minerals, all fueling intense competition. The ecological consequences of increased human activity in the Arctic are also a major concern. The fragile Arctic ecosystem, already stressed by climate change, is vulnerable to the impacts of resource extraction, shipping traffic, and pollution. Indigenous communities, who have relied on the Arctic's resources for sustenance and cultural practices for millennia, are particularly at risk. Their traditional ways of life face significant disruption due to environmental changes and the encroachment of industrial activities. Historically, the Arctic has been a region of scientific exploration and cooperation. International treaties and agreements, such as the Svalbard Treaty of 1920, have attempted to manage resource access and prevent conflict. However, the current geopolitical landscape, characterized by great power competition and rising nationalism, poses a considerable threat to this spirit of cooperation. The absence of clear, internationally agreed-upon rules governing resource extraction in the Arctic exacerbates these tensions. The challenge lies in balancing the economic opportunities presented by the Arctic's resources with the need to safeguard its unique environment and the rights of its indigenous populations. Finding a sustainable path requires international collaboration, strong environmental regulations, and a renewed commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Failure to do so risks escalating tensions, damaging the fragile Arctic ecosystem, and undermining decades of international cooperation.
1. According to the passage, what is the primary factor driving the increased geopolitical tension in the Arctic?
2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a significant challenge related to the increased activity in the Arctic?
3. What historical precedent is mentioned in the passage as relevant to the current situation in the Arctic?
4. The passage suggests that a sustainable solution to the challenges in the Arctic requires: