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The Arctic Landgrab

The Arctic Landgrab. Who owns the Arctic?. In August 2007, Artur Chilingarov led a team of 5 explorers from other countries to find the true North Pole, 14,000 metres below the ice.

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The Arctic Landgrab

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  1. The Arctic Landgrab

  2. Who owns the Arctic? • In August 2007, Artur Chilingarov led a team of 5 explorers from other countries to find the true North Pole, 14,000 metres below the ice. • On arrival, he planted a Russian flag on the seabed, saying “The Arctic is Russian. We must prove the North Pole is an extension of the Russian landmass”. • This sparked a landgrab, which involved Russia, Denmark, Canada, the USA and Norway. Reference:The Independent

  3. What laws do countries abide by? • From the United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea: • Claims must not extend beyond: • 350 nautical miles from the shore or 100nm past a water depth of 2,500 metres • 60nm from the foot of the continental slope or a minimum thickness of sediment. Reference: National Geographic

  4. Why are they claiming? • USGS has said that about 30% of the world's undiscovered gas and 13% of the world's undiscovered oil may be found north of the Arctic Circle • More than 400 oil and gas fields have already been discovered in the Arctic Circle. • As the ice retreats, it opens up important shipping lanes and improves accessibility. • Receding ice caps mean that the seabed can be mapped more accurately than ever before. • Could lead to further exploration for oil and gas- this could lead to an increase in Climate Change. Reference: Scientific American

  5. Ice on Fire • Methane trapped in the ice can be burnt to produce energy. • Methane is seen as a solution to the energy crisis- when burnt, it produces half the Carbon Dioxide that the combustion of coal creates. • When solely used, this methane could last over 100 years. • Leaking Methane could help exacerbate Global Warming- pound for pound, it is 20 times more powerful at heating the air than Carbon Dioxide.

  6. Nature’s Riches • ADVANTAGES • Jobs created • Some money invested in local community • Attracts people to the arctic • Arctic tourists bring different lifestyles and may improve the quality of life for the indigenous population.

  7. Nature’s Riches • DISADVANTAGES • Could melt permafrost • Tundra could be destroyed due to oil spills • The area is tectonically active • Migration routes could be blocked

  8. What are the effects? • Case Study: Hammerfest, Norway • Newly built liquefied gas plant (StatoilHydro) receives fuel by pipeline from Snohvit field 90 miles away. • Pays $22 million a year in property taxes- helps to fund local projects including education, transport and culture. • StatoilHydro will inject separated Carbon Dioxide into the seabed, making it one of the world’s cleanest petrol producers. • Few people are aware that the plant contributes greatly to the destruction of the ice sheet.

  9. BIBLIOGRAPHY • http://www.discoveringthearctic.org.uk/ • The Independent • National Geographic • Scientific American • New York Times • BBC News • Durham University • New Scientist

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