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The Arctic Ocean is one of the most remote and unexplored regions on earth. Year-round freezing temperatures have made this waterway challenging to navigate. Even with state-of-the-art icebreaking ships, the abundant natural resources below the surface have been difficult to extract. That is now changing due to climate change. As the Arctic ice melts, waterways that were once inaccessible are becoming navigable during the summer months. The establishment of shipping lanes and trade routes through the Arctic is becoming a realistic prospect.

The Institute for China-America Studies is committed to contributing research on developments in the Arctic to ensure that the exploitation of resources and navigation of the Arctic’s waterways is conducted in a peaceful and secure manner. This issue tracker is a part of our commitment to ensuring that the public, researchers, and policymakers have easy access to the latest updates regarding the Arctic Ocean.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, right, and the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Louis S. St-Laurent. (Photo: UNH / NOAA)

EXPLORE

Arctic Maritime Claims

The Maritime Claims Tracker explores long-standing territorial and maritime rights disputes that have largely remained unsettled.

Arctic Security

The Arctic Security Tracker explores the extent of air power projection possessed by the U.S., Russia and Canada in the Arctic Region.

MORE TRACKERS COMING SOON