Arctic: A Paradox and Antithesis

Abstract

Due to its resource potential, sensitive ecological location and a common play ground for several nations, Arctic will continue to play a strategic role in the fields of maritime, climate change and international partnership policies. While the alarming predictions of IPCC indicate a future scenario of sea-ice free Arctic, the opening up of new sea routes may redraw the geo-economic map of growth and development in the Arctic. This may call for a balanced appreciation of climate change risks and opportunities of hydrocarbons explorations in the Arctic, notwithstanding emerging financial and practical problems in extraction of hydrocarbons. In spite of the existing UNCLOS laws pertaining to the international seas, a Polar Code may have to be devised for Arctic in line with Antarctic Treaty System for the purpose of management of scientific work and logistics of exploration. Sustainable development, as is generally the principle, must be inclusive of strong environmental goals in Arctic too. Asian countries, as the observers in the Arctic Council have a responsibility to highlight the impact of warming Arctic to rest of the world as teleconnection between Arctic climate and Himalaya-Tibet plateau has scientifically been established.