Arctic Politics Questions Medium
The main transportation routes in the Arctic are primarily maritime routes and include the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Northwest Passage. The Northern Sea Route is a shipping route that stretches along the Russian Arctic coast, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It is the shortest sea route between Europe and Asia, offering significant time and cost savings for shipping goods. The Northwest Passage, on the other hand, is a sea route through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has historically been impassable due to ice, but with the melting of Arctic ice due to climate change, it has become increasingly navigable during the summer months. These routes have gained strategic importance and economic potential, attracting attention from various countries and stakeholders. Additionally, there are also air routes that connect Arctic communities and facilitate transportation for both passengers and cargo.