Breaking: Arctic Sea Ice Reaches Historic Minimum

[FarCenter]

2. FAR EAST FOCUS: Northern Sea Route heats up between Europe, East Asia

The Arctic ice has been rapidly receding in recent years, and according to Rosatomflot, a Russian state-run corporation that guides ships through the Arctic with nuclear-powered icebreakers, the number of cargo ships taking the Northern Sea Route has jumped from only four in 2010 to 34 last year. The September-October period during which the route is navigable has expanded from late June through November.

Much more cargo is expected to be shipped this year because there is little ice, thus allowing large vessels to take routes in Arctic waters deep enough for them to navigate.

Ironically, just how active trade becomes on the Northern Sea Route will depend on how severe global warming gets. These changes are also leading to ideas about exploiting the Arctic's natural resources.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/business/AJ201208210040