Arctic Sea Route Opens.

[Technosoul]

Arctic sea route opens - Yahoo! News

LONDON (Reuters) - The Artics Northwest Passage has opened up fully because of melting ice.

- European Space Agency said. (see photo in link)

[Technosoul]

This is a historical time because boats will soon be able to pass through the Northwest instead of going through Panama. For the first time in the known history of boating.

Boats could use the new route - right now.

The London pressed called it the "the Passage in the Canadian Artic" and so I assume that Canada would have the "rights" to control such passage, to set rules, or charge fees. (something to talk about or debate). No doubt the tourest industry will be interested also.

A simular Passage will soon be fully open in the Russian Artic. Allowing shippers an option.

Russia is hoping to find oil and gas in their side of the Artic and are looking forward to the opening of their Northwest Passage. Which may open up sooner then expected (due to Global Warming?).

Canada might build a station for re-fueling their military patrol ships at the entrance of their Northwest Passage.

September 15, 2007. Today is historic as the new passage will change a lot of things for a lot of people.

[Praxius]

Historical indeed.... whether it ends up being something positive or negative, remains to be seen, as it'll be a target for every country to use and exploit. We can all use our imagination as to what numerous possibilities and actions may come about.

[Technosoul]

I could not tell by the photo (map) but if it exits near Alaska then that state could witness a lot of additional activies that could result in a economical boost for them, and more development at their sea ports.

Being that both Russia and Canada would have passages they would be competing, if fees are charged, for the use of their respective passage ways. Both countries would have more expendatures relative to patrolling the area with their military or national guard boats, airplanes.

Other countries or internatonal businesses might attempt to get some sort of U.N. policy writen about the areas in question. Not sure where Greenland would fit into that debate.

People with private boats might want to cruse it on their vacations to go sight seeing, not sure how that would be regulated?

What about fish, whales, etc. Will they start to use the water way and if so, what would Greenpeace have to say about that?

Here in California we have limited harbor space, should our state spend money to prepare for more ships coming down our coast from the northen angle

And what about poor Panama, and the econmic impact that this would have on their country?

And last of all... oil spills. Is anyone prepared to clean up the messes?

[Milton Bradley]

I also notice this area is really too far North for Google Earth to be a very useful tool for investigating this.

[HelioPrime]

Yes! A new route to transport oil to feed US dependency :rolleyes:

Will shipping be allowed? Or will it become a wildlife protected zone. China certainly would not want competition for their acquired canal.

And I must say google earth is a great tool when you’re bored. Although I notice I can view Area 51 but nearby an artificial town used 50 years ago in nuclear testing is blurred out. Odd...

[xyzer]

Just in case anyone is really interested, this site has maps and infoMaps of the Northwest Passage

I don't think this info is much value to anyone but the global warming fanatics. It is still impassable for most of the year and will be anyway for most ships. From climate records it will remain so for some time since global climate change is very slow in human terms, and we don't even know whether warming will continue?

The only glimmer of hope is that it might get to the point where humans can tap some of the vast oil supplies allegedly up there? I think the weather will be easier to conquer than the Islamic nuts in the middle east?

[Technosoul]

Quote by: xyzer Just in case anyone is really interested, this site has maps and infoMaps of the Northwest Passage I don't think this info is much value to anyone but the global warming fanatics. It is still impassable for most of the year and will be anyway for most ships. From climate records it will remain so for some time since global climate change is very slow in human terms, and we don't even know whether warming will continue? The only glimmer of hope is that it might get to the point where humans can tap some of the vast oil supplies allegedly up there? I think the weather will be easier to conquer than the Islamic nuts in the middle east?

Perhaps in winter they can keep it open by removing any additional ice build-up with icebreaking ships, sort of like they clear snow off a highway with those snowplows

If it is currently open and usable and the main ice is gone they might be able to keep it that way with those icebreaking ships, or some construction work along the banks. The ice cap is also warming up year around and not just in the summer months.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: Technosoul Perhaps in winter they can keep it open by removing any additional ice build-up with icebreaking ships, sort of like they clear snow off a highway with those snowplows.

This is actually one of the things that worries me about this whole scenario.


The next thing you know, they'll be breaking up the ice, and then observing that same ice floating further South, and noting how it seems like global warming is on the increase.


Much like they already blast the snow off the peaks in Winter to prevent avalanches, and then wonder where the ice cap went come Spring.

[rmnunez]

If the worst projections of those most concerned over global warming are confirmed, the opening of the Northwest Passage will herald a new era for humanity's development. Goods will be shipped from Japan or China to Europe cheaper and more quickly.

[Chancellor]

Quote by: rmnunez If the worst projections of those most concerned over global warming are confirmed, the opening of the Northwest Passage will herald a new era for humanity's development. Goods will be shipped from Japan or China to Europe cheaper and more quickly.

And Al Gore's having hissy fits over global warming! Doesn't he realize that opening up a northwest passage is a good thing?

[Praxius]

Quote by: Chancellor And Al Gore's having hissy fits over global warming! Doesn't he realize that opening up a northwest passage is a good thing?

Is that some sort of sarcasm or something?

How would opening up the Northwest to shipping be good for the enviroment? If you're one who believes in Global Warming, then where is the logic in this?

The passageways are opening up due to global warming...... for the last century or more, all the pollution that caused this to happen, all came from miles and miles away, and took some time to take affect. Now everyone is wishing to load all kinds of draggers, tankers, crusiers, patrol ships, subs, cargo ships, and more, right in the area that's affected and melting.....

Then the pollution everybody's complaining about will have moved directly to the locations affected the most, and hence will cause things to get even worse up there, much faster then before..... industrializing the North, so to speak.

And then when all the countries decide to make a mad dash to the oil deposits and begin to start drilling in the Artic, you can easily say goodbye to the planet we once knew.

A shorter distance for traveling goods is all fine and dandy, but in the artic where it's already devistated from pollution as it is?

I can see that passage way becoming one big traffic jam of boats. All trying to take the quick route around, more wanting to save money and time, more taking the passageway, more pollution from the ships and their waste, eventually being one constant stream of pollution like a cavity in the tooth.

[Chancellor]

Quote by: Praxius Is that some sort of sarcasm or something?

Just expressing my amusement.

How would opening up the Northwest to shipping be good for the enviroment? If you're one who believes in Global Warming, then where is the logic in this?

Who said anything about it being good for the environment? I merely said it was a good thing. Would it make you feel better if I said it's a good thing for us humans or for commerce?

The passageways are opening up due to global warming...... for the last century or more, all the pollution that caused this to happen, all came from miles and miles away, and took some time to take affect. Now everyone is wishing to load all kinds of draggers, tankers, crusiers, patrol ships, subs, cargo ships, and more, right in the area that's affected and melting.....

Well, whether it was pollution that caused all this is debateable but I don't have a problem with humans making good use of an area that was previously inaccessible.

Then the pollution everybody's complaining about will have moved directly to the locations affected the most, and hence will cause things to get even worse up there, much faster then before..... industrializing the North, so to speak.

But not everyone is complaining. Besides, haven't you heard that necessity is the mother of invention? Maybe this will create a need that will result in people inventing clean forms of energy and making it so that even person on public assistance can afford it.

And then when all the countries decide to make a mad dash to the oil deposits and begin to start drilling in the Artic, you can easily say goodbye to the planet we once knew.

Well, since Canada claims sovereignty over most of that area then maybe Canada should stop being such "nice" people and start defending its territory.

A shorter distance for traveling goods is all fine and dandy, but in the artic where it's already devistated from pollution as it is?

Why not the Arctic? Would Canada, perhaps, be willing to provide an alternative by building a canal from Hudson Bay to the Pacific?

I can see that passage way becoming one big traffic jam of boats. All trying to take the quick route around, more wanting to save money and time, more taking the passageway, more pollution from the ships and their waste, eventually being one constant stream of pollution like a cavity in the tooth.

There is such a thing as maritime law. Of course, the solution to the pollution is to invent clean forms of energy.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: Praxius I can see that passage way becoming one big traffic jam of boats. All trying to take the quick route around, more wanting to save money and time, more taking the passageway, more pollution from the ships and their waste, eventually being one constant stream of pollution like a cavity in the tooth.

Yeah, but don't forget all of the unintended benefits, like the many invasive species purged for the foreign ships ballast tanks overrunning all of your domestic aquatic life, and further degredation of the coastal environment.

[rmnunez]

Think of the benefits; shipping costs between Europe and China will be halved, lots of fuel saved, ports and cities will emerge along the way furthering development in vast areas that have been rather unproductive until now.

[Praxius]

Quote by: Chancellor Just expressing my amusement. Who said anything about it being good for the environment? I merely said it was a good thing. Would it make you feel better if I said it's a good thing for us humans or for commerce?

Well when the comment about making Al Gore happy came about, and him being a big enviromentalist, or whathaveyou.... the comment didn't seem to make much sense.

But not everyone is complaining. Besides, haven't you heard that necessity is the mother of invention? Maybe this will create a need that will result in people inventing clean forms of energy and making it so that even person on public assistance can afford it.

The thought has crossed my mind as well.... by going by human tradition as of the last couple of decades, I won't hold my breath.

Well, since Canada claims sovereignty over most of that area then maybe Canada should stop being such "nice" people and start defending its territory.

We are.

CTV.ca | Harper bolsters military strength in Arctic

"The deep-water military port will be constructed in Nanisivik."

Why not the Arctic? Would Canada, perhaps, be willing to provide an alternative by building a canal from Hudson Bay to the Pacific?

Psh, lol.... Canada doesn't have to do anything to suit anybody, much as any other country shoulnd't be expected to jump hoops for others.

Just because one country has something of value to another country, doesn't mean that country has to give it to them, or should have to face them stomping their feet and sending off their military to make what they want to happen, happen.

Just because it "Could" make everybody's life so much easier and cost effective, doesn't mean we should just allow people to rape the whole area without concern of the consequiences..... no will I be pleased to hear that my country gave in to global pressure, prior to studying all potiential ramifications in the future, not just for our country, but the enviroment.

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: rmnunez Think of the benefits; shipping costs between Europe and China will be halved, lots of fuel saved, ports and cities will emerge along the way furthering development in vast areas that have been rather unproductive until now.

Yeah that's what we need, the potential more more corporate profits, and unsustainable growth.


You always manage to find the silver lining, don't you.

[Thanatos]

Quote by: rmnunez Think of the benefits; shipping costs between Europe and China will be halved, lots of fuel saved, ports and cities will emerge along the way furthering development in vast areas that have been rather unproductive until now.

And once Greenland finishes melting, all those coastal cities will have to be rebuilt a good bit higher. Six of one, one half dozen of the other.