JRL NEWSWATCH: “Russia’s $150 Billion Bet on Arctic Warming; France’s Macron slams the northern shipping route as an ecological disaster in the making, but Asian and European companies are lining up for a share of its (potential) riches.” – Transitions Online/ Ky Krauthamer

“… [Russian has high hopes for] the [Arctic’s] Northern Sea Route [NSR] … owing to the long-term thinning of the ice pack. … [Use of the route] could shorten the journey from East Asia to Europe by up to two weeks. Norway … is skeptical[,] … has concerns about the environmental dangers of increased shipping in the fragile northern environment, and doesn’t see the NSR as economically feasible … French President … Macron also [warned] …. ‘this route will kill us in the end, because this route may well be quicker, but it is the consequence of our past irresponsibility’ … announc[ing] that France’s biggest shipping line, CMA CGM, has committed not to use the NSR because of … potential …

environmental damage. … Along with oil and gas fields, coal mines, ports, and other economic projects, Russia is … refurbishing and expanding [Arctic] air bases … [moreseo] than the United States or Canada …. equipped with Russia’s most advanced bombers and fighter aircraft, is to provide extended protection for the economic activity and shipping in the Arctic. …”

Click here for: “Russia’s $150 Billion Bet on Arctic Warming; France’s Macron slams the northern shipping route as an ecological disaster in the making, but Asian and European companies are lining up for a share of its (potential) riches.” – Transitions Online/ Ky Krauthamer