Arctic: The battle for Arctic riches

The advent of global warming has seen the world's frozen north begin to melt, but it has also revealed a treasure trove of mineral resources.

Huge oil and gas reserves that have been locked underneath the snow are now becoming more feasible to extract.

Multi-national shipping companies are also eagerly eyeing the fabled Northwest Passage over the North Pole as a profitable future trade route.

Couple with this new commercial interest are the increasing political ambitions of the countries bordering the Arctic Sea: Russia, Norway, Canada, Denmark and the US.

However, the indigenous native populations who live above the Arctic Circle are not guaranteed a role in the power-broking over the region, nor are Inuits guaranteed a share of any future profits from potential Arctic commercial exploitation.

But there are some people who would prefer to keep their lands pristine and preserve their way of life for future generations.

The Riz Khan show asks: who is responsible for the environmental protection of the North Pole region?

Part One



Part Two

Published by Mike Hitchen,
Putting principles before profits
Arctic Oil Gas Climate Change Russia Norway Denmark