Out of all the effects that climate change causes to Earth, the change in the Arctic Circle is the most abrupt and of a greater magnitude.The melting of the ice caps opens new routes on the sea and shows huge reserves of natural resources previously inaccessible. This geopolitical shift comes against the background of the war in Ukraine, which has polarized relations between NATO countries and Russia.It is against this background that the Arctic becomes a focal point of strategic interest, with Russia well positioned to be a hegemon in this new environment.

Geopolitical Significance

The Arctic is in a rapid state of change due to global warming at approximately 21 million square kilometers.As a result, it is opening new shipping routes and access to previously unknown fossil fuel deposits-including an estimated 160 billion barrels of oil and 30 percent of the world’s natural gas-according to US Geological Survey estimations. This newer accessibility is inflaming tensions amongst the Arctic states, especially in handling the interests relating to the region.While not a continent, the Arctic is a region shared by eight countries: Norway…