Safeguarding the Northwest Passage - The Arctic Business Council
By Chua Foong Lean
REPORT
The Northwest Passage is a sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago . In the past , the Northwest Passage has been virtually impassable because it was covered all year round by thick sea ice . However , in the past few years , climate change is allowing commercial traffic to pass through the Arctic Ocean via this once impassable route .
The potential benefits of a clear Northwest Passage are significant . Ship routes from Europe to eastern Asia would be 4,000km ( 2,500 miles ) shorter . Alaskan oil could move quickly by ship to ports in eastern United States . The vast mineral resources of the Canadian North will be much easier and more economical to develop and ship to market .
With more countries exploring this new alternative maritime route , there are concerns over the possible adverse impact on its environment . Against this background , the Arctic Council along with the Arctic Business Council were formed to set rules , such as the Polar Code , to safeguard the environment .
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