Arctic Security: An Adaptive Approach for a Changing Climate

• Main Authors: Kean, Christopher S., Kneale, David C.
• Other Authors: AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLL MAXWELL AFB AL
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Economics and Cost Analysis; Government and Political Science; Geography; Environmental Health and Safety; *NATIONAL SECURITY; *CLIMATE CHANGE; *ARCTIC REGIONS; *UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT; GREENHOUSE EFFECT; STRATEGIC AREAS; INTERAGENCY COORDINATION; GEOPOLITICS; ECONOMICS; STRATEGY; POLICIES; NATURAL RESOURCES; ARCTIC NATIONS; SOVEREIGNTY DISPUTES; FREE TRADE; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; NSS(NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY); UNCLOS(UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAWS OF THE SEA); KYOTO PROTOCOL; ARCTIC REGION POLICY; SEA CHANGE; GLOBAL WARMING; INFORMATION SHARING; Arctic; Climate change; Global warming
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA539667; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA539667

The Arctic is widely regarded as one of the last remaining natural sanctuaries on Earth. Warmer temperatures in the region have opened the eyes of sea-faring nations and motivated the ring of `Arctic Nations' to officially stake their claims to natural resources, indicating the beginnings of future strife over sovereignty disputes. On the other hand, the outcry of environmental concern for the region has increasingly manifested itself in political discussion, elevating national and regional security concerns to a global level. The research for this paper has shed light on the paths already undertaken toward the security future of the Arctic, and has highlighted the need to focus on future approaches that consider the environmental aspects of inter-connectedness. Unilaterally defending `national security' interests may lead to further degradation of the natural and political climate in the region with catastrophic consequences. This observation has been the driving force of this paper. The original document contains color images.