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The Compass: The New Arctic: The New Arctic: Power

Factual

A family from the Tundra StineBarlindhaug

24/02/2021 GMT

The New Arctic: Power

The New Arctic

BBC World Service - The Compass, The New Arctic, The New Arctic: Power

As tensions rise between Russia, Nato and China in the Arctic is a new cold war likely?

As tensions rise between Russia, Nato and China in the Arctic is a new cold war developing?

Contrary to popular opinion, the Arctic is not a pristine, empty white desert. It is home to four million people distributed across eight distinct nation states: The USA, Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Russian Federation.

Allan Little looks at how the region is fast becoming fraught with geopolitical tensions. Despite all sides stressing this is still an area of low tension, Russia is building up its military presence and capabilities, with Nato countries responding with large-scale Arctic training exercises. China’s interest in the region is also creating new security concerns. But at a local level, we discover a very different story - Norwegian and Russian border communities maintain long-standing friendships.

Many argue that a new cold war is unlikely and geopolitics are overshadowing more urgent security issues facing the region. Future disputes are predicted over resource management and lucrative new shipping routes but not all-out war. And how important is the Arctic Council as the primary forum for dialogue and inclusion of indigenous voices, who must play a key role in the future of the region.

(Photo: A family in the Tundra. Credit: Stine Barlindhaug)

The Compass: The New Arctic

Allan Little investigates how the climate crisis is impacting Arctic communities.

Global warming is happening twice as fast in the Arctic than in any other place on earth. As the ice melts, economic opportunities are increasing - from shipping lanes, to resource extraction and tourism - prompting security risks and geopolitical tensions. Allan Little investigates how the climate crisis and increased economic activity is impacting the communities who call this extreme environment their home  - which,  contrary to popular belief, is far from a pristine, empty white desert.

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