Northwest Passage (Artic)

Source: TH

Context: The Northwest Passage is back in focus amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Canada and the U.S. disputing its legal status as internal waters vs international strait.

About the Arctic Region:

• What is the Arctic?

• The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth, centered around the North Pole and defined by the Arctic Circle (66°30′ N latitude). Characterized by permafrost, polar climate, tundra vegetation, and extreme cold. It includes parts of eight countries: Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.

• The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth, centered around the North Pole and defined by the Arctic Circle (66°30′ N latitude).

• Characterized by permafrost, polar climate, tundra vegetation, and extreme cold.

• It includes parts of eight countries: Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.

• Key Features:

• Rich in natural resources: 13% of undiscovered oil, 30% of untapped gas, and vast reserves of rare earths and fisheries. Region experiencing rapid warming — almost four times faster than the global average. Hosts important shipping routes like the Northwest Passage and Northeast Passage. No singular treaty governs it like the Antarctic however it falls under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

• Rich in natural resources: 13% of undiscovered oil, 30% of untapped gas, and vast reserves of rare earths and fisheries.

• Region experiencing rapid warming — almost four times faster than the global average.

• Hosts important shipping routes like the Northwest Passage and Northeast Passage.

• No singular treaty governs it like the Antarctic however it falls under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

About Northwest Passage Dispute:

• The Northwest Passage is a potential Arctic Sea route passing through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago.

• Canada claims it as internal waters, giving it controls over navigation.

• USA and others view it as international waters, ensuring freedom of passage.

• This legal dispute has intensified due to the melting of Arctic ice and increasing interest in commercial shipping.

About the Arctic Council:

• Establishment:

• Founded in 1996 via the Ottawa Declaration. Serves as the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation.

• Founded in 1996 via the Ottawa Declaration.

• Serves as the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation.

• Member Nations (8): Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and United States.

• Key Features:

• Focuses on sustainable development, environmental protection, and indigenous rights. Observer States include India, China, UK, Germany, and others. Post-Ukraine war, cooperation with Russia has declined, affecting Council unity. Unlike the Antarctic Treaty, the Arctic lacks a binding, demilitarized governance treaty.

• Focuses on sustainable development, environmental protection, and indigenous rights.

• Observer States include India, China, UK, Germany, and others.

• Post-Ukraine war, cooperation with Russia has declined, affecting Council unity.

• Unlike the Antarctic Treaty, the Arctic lacks a binding, demilitarized governance treaty.