Cold War in the Arctic

With so many conflicts around the world, one expects at least the North Pole to literally remain a sea of tranquility. But the truth is that many nations are engaged in a ‘cold war’ for the top of the world, fuelled by a widespread belief that more than 25 per cent of the world’ untapped gas and oil reserves are in the region.

Another tantalising prospect is the complete opening of the Northwest Passage that can theoretically shorten a journey from Europe to Asia by nearly 4,000 Km.

Several recent events indicate that there is a sudden surge in interest among powerful nations to explore the Arctic region. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s sudden visit to Resolute Bay on the country’s northern extreme caught the world’s attention, mainly because of the statement he made: “The first principle of Arctic sovereignty is - use it or lose it.”

Not to be outdone, the Russians planted a flag made of titanium on the Arctic seabed.

An American Coast Guard Cutter is mapping the Arctic ocean floor while a Scandinavian team is also heading in the same direction. Adding fuel to the Arctic fire is Denmark’s Science Minister who claims “there are things suggesting that Denmark could be given the North Pole”.

That statement reflects the sad reality of Arctic exploration. It is a far cry from championing the cause of science. Instead, money seems to have entered the equation. Many scientists are now advocating the Antarctic model for the Arctic as well - various parts of the frozen continent are explored by different country as per the terms of a comprehensive treaty.

Whether such a treaty can be a reality in the Arctic remains to be seen. The present frenzy for the Arctic does have a legal background - the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea allows Governments to claim an economic zone up to 370 Km from their coast, if they can prove that the area is an extension of their continental shelf.

Russia and Denmark are already claiming an Arctic link using this argument. Russia’s Lomonosov Ridge stretches all the way to Greenland, which in turn is run by Denmark. The catch is that countries making a claim under the Sea of the Law must do so within a decade of ratifying the Law.

Russia’s deadline is just two years away, while Canada has six more years. The US has still not signed the Convention, but arrangements are reportedly underway to fall in line. After all, the statements on oil and gas reserves in the Arctic are widely attributed to its own Geological Survey.

There is no guarantee that countries can prospect for Arctic riches immediately after this deadline passes.

A body called the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf decides on the merits and demerits of each case, but it has no legal authority. Disputes that may arise could last for years.

The Arctic Council, another inter-Governmental body, has more or less become a toothless tiger and is given the cold shoulder by the more aggressive countries.

The Arctic belongs to the world. It is not only the rich and powerful nations who should reap the benefits. Fortunately, no country, however mighty, can explore the Arctic on its own. International cooperation is the only way forward at present.

Scientists from developing nations too should be included in research missions to the region.

The UN should play a bigger role in Arctic exploration and help competing countries to literally break the ice over the riches in the region.

If and when oil and gas reserves are found, a mechanism should be evolved to exploit them on a truly multilateral basis, without harming the fragile Arctic environment and upsetting the global ecological equilibrium.