For decades, scientists have warned about the melting of Arctic ice as a result of planetary warming. However, researchers have now discovered that this gradual deterioration of ice is set to have the unintended consequence of weakening Russia’s control over popular routes. As the ice-covered areas of the Arctic melt, new studies show that within decades new routes could be opened, bypassing Russia-controlled Arctic routes.
Researchers also pointed out that another unintended consequence of ice degradation is that the new route will be more “environmentally friendly” and will provide the ship with a faster and more direct route. ..
Russia-China-Europe expert Danil Botikov tweeted a map of the study, tweeting:
“By 2065, a study by Brown University in the United States will significantly increase the navigability of the Arctic Circle, which will weaken control over Russia’s trade.”
Many of the Arctic routes are located in the North Sea, which connects the United Kingdom and Norway, at one end, and in Russia’s exclusive economic zone.
Amanda Lynch, lead author of the study and professor of Earth, Environment, and Planetary Sciences at Brown, said:
“But unfortunately, the ice has already receded and these routes are open. We need to start thinking critically about the legal, environmental and geopolitical implications.”
According to Charles Norchi, co-author of the study and director of the Center for Marine Coastal Law in Maine State Law, these route changes could have significant implications for world trade and world politics.
Since 1982, countries adjacent to the Arctic Ocean have been granted enhanced authority on major transport routes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Read more: Putin’s trade grip collapses due to melting Arctic ice
Article 234 of the Convention, in the name of “Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Pollution by Ships,” regulates maritime traffic on routes for countries whose coastline is close to the Arctic Ocean, as long as the area remains. It states that it has the ability to do so. Most of the year is covered with ice.
According to Professor Nori, Russia has used Article 234 for its own economic and political interests for decades.
For example, one Russian law stipulates that all vessels passing through the Arctic Sea Route must be operated by Russians.
Passing vessels must also pay tolls and be notified in advance if they use the route.
For this reason, major shipping companies often choose alternative routes such as the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal. These routes are long, but usually cheap options.
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