Arctc

Question 1

Q1: Why is Arctic shipping economically beneficial for countries like Russia and Canada?

Answer 1

A1: It allows for faster and cheaper shipping of fossil fuels and minerals to major markets like China and India.

Question 2

Q2: How much shorter is the Northern Sea Route compared to the Suez Canal route between East Asia and Western Europe?

Answer 2

A2: It reduces the journey from 21,000 km to 12,800 km

Question 3

Q3: What is the advantage of the Northwest Passage over the Panama Canal route?

Answer 3

A3: It reduces the journey from 24,000 km to 13,600 km.

Question 4

Q4: What technological advancement supports year-round Arctic shipping?

Answer 4

A4: The use of new ice-breaking oil and gas tankers.

Question 5

Q5: How has traffic along the Siberian lane changed between 2016 and 2019?

Answer 5

A5: It increased by 58%.

Question 6

Q6: What are the social benefits of Arctic shipping for local populations?

Answer 6

A6: It can create jobs, improve infrastructure, and allow better delivery of essential supplies to isolated communities.

Question 7

Q7: What geopolitical advantage does Arctic shipping offer in an unstable world?

Answer 7

A7: It offers an alternative to traditional chokepoints like the Suez Canal or Strait of Malacca, which may face piracy or congestion.

Question 8

Q8: How does Arctic shipping support Russia’s geopolitical strategy?

Answer 8

A8: It enables Russia to trade directly with Asia, reducing dependence on Western routes and boosting resilience.

Question 9

Q9: What is a potential environmental benefit of Arctic shipping compared to traditional routes?

Answer 9

A9: It could cut fuel use and CO₂ emissions by up to 20%.

Question 10

Q10: Why is Arctic shipping not yet considered cost-effective?

Answer 10

A10: Due to unpredictable weather, slower navigation, and limited transit opportunities.

Question 11

Q11: Why is commercial shipping limited in the Arctic?

Answer 11

A11: There are few ports to load or unload cargo, reducing opportunities for commercial shipping.

Question 12

Q12: Why are major shipping companies avoiding the Arctic?

Answer 12

A12: Companies like Maersk and MSC find Arctic routes too risky and unprofitable

Question 13

Q13: What is the problem with HFO emissions in the Arctic?

Answer 13

A13: Soot from heavy fuel oil darkens ice, reducing the albedo effect and accelerating global warming.

Question 14

Q14: What environmental disaster is often cited as a cautionary example?

Answer 14

A14: The 1989 oil spill off southern Alaska, which damaged over 2,100 km of coastline and killed marine life.

Question 15

Q15: What are the risks of Arctic shipping to marine mammals?

Answer 15

A15: Ship strikes and noise pollution threaten whale populations and other marine species.

Question 16

Q16: How could Arctic shipping affect Indigenous communities?

Answer 16

A16: It may disrupt traditional hunting and fishing zones, causing food insecurity and social disruption

Question 17

Q17: What geopolitical tensions arise from Arctic shipping?

Answer 17

A17: Russia and Canada claim ownership of Arctic straits, while the US and EU view them as international waters, increasing military build-up and tension.