Melting Arctic Ice Could Transform New International Shipping Routes Reducing Carbon Footprint

According to research, melting Arctic Ocean ice might open up new trade channels on international seas, lowering shipping's carbon footprint and undermining Russia's authority over these routes.

The future of the arctic ocean

(Photo : JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

The future of the Arctic Ocean is bleak since global ocean temperatures are steadily rising due to climate change, as per ScienceDaily.

Parts of the Arctic that were previously completely covered in ice are warming so swiftly, according to climate projections, that in as little as two decades they will be consistently ice-free for months at a time.

Numerous species that flourish in temperatures below zero will be put at risk by the changing climate in the Arctic, according to experts.

Another significant impact of Arctic ice melting? the possibility of cutting off the Russian-controlled Northern Sea Route and taking shorter, more environmentally friendly marine commerce routes.

In recent research, two climate scientists from Brown University collaborated with a legal expert from the University of Maine School of Law to forecast how the future regulation of shipping routes may be impacted by the melting of the Arctic Ocean ice.

According to their predictions, by 2065, the Arctic's navigability will have significantly improved to the point that it may provide new trade routes on international seas, decreasing the shipping industry's carbon footprint and undermining Russian hegemony over commerce in the region.

Charles Norchi, director of the Maine Law School Center for Oceans and Coastal Law, visiting scholar at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and one of the study's co-authors, believes that these changes could have a significant impact on international trade and politics.

According to Norchi, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has granted Arctic coastal governments increased control over major maritime lanes since 1982.

According to Article 234 of the treaty, nations with coasts near-Arctic shipping routes have the authority to limit maritime traffic along the route as long as the region is ice-free for the bulk of the year in order to "avoid, reduce, and manage marine pollution from boats."

Read more: Can "Refreezing" Arctic Ice Reverse the Effects of Climate Change?

Reducing carbon footprints

Charles Norchi, director of the Maine Law School Center for Oceans and Coastal Law, visiting scholar at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and one of the study's co-authors, believes that these changes could have a significant impact on international trade and politics, as per The Financial Express.

According to Norchi, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has granted Arctic coastal governments increased control over major maritime lanes since 1982.

According to Article 234 of the treaty, nations with coasts near-Arctic shipping routes have the authority to limit maritime traffic along the route as long as the region is ice-free for the bulk of the year in order to "avoid, reduce, and manage marine pollution from boats."

Many individuals advocate demolishing harmful manufacturing chimneys and expanding access to solar energy in order to establish a low-carbon lifestyle and lessen reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major source of carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

There are several more subtle methods for people to "become green" that deserve our attention, even while these proposed steps, which are typically carried out with government assistance or oversight, greatly cut carbon emissions.

To commemorate National Low-Carbon Day on June 15, China held a prominent conference in Shandong Province, urging everyone to work together to build a low-carbon society, as per Shine.

Many people nowadays are aware that using renewable energy may reduce carbon emissions.

The numbers are still insufficient, despite the fact that many individuals have started to switch to renewable energy. To minimize the use of fossil fuels and protect the environment, alternative energy is crucial.

We can now become carbon-neutral by purchasing carbon offsets. By funding initiatives to plant trees, protect animals, and stop future emissions, these purchases can aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

By assisting initiatives to stop deforestation and develop solar or wind farms, these offsets can help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Let's take a moment to consider the kind of offset we want to purchase. There are several businesses that provide offsets with various levels of openness.

Related article: A Huge Hole Seemingly Appeared Out of Nowhere in the Arctic's "Last Ice" Surface