The effect of global warming on Northwest Passage

The whole world is being affected by the effect of global warming. Increasing temperatures, shifting seasons, harsher winters and warmer summers are all the effect of global warming. The Northwest passage has also been affected by this global phenomena. Ice is melting and the number of sunny days is increasing. This has lead to opening up of the passage for ship navigation. Now, this can be good and bad at the same time. Melting of the Arctic sea will lead to the water level of the sea rising, and change in the temperature of undercurrents. Yes, there will be more mild days for Canada due to climate change says study, and this is being hailed as good. But, is it good for the Mother Earth? Of course not. The change in water temperatures will mean more cyclones and typhoons ravaging habitable lands all across the globe. Finally, the scientists say that there will be harsh winters which will lead us to the ice age.

Northwest Passage Dispute

The Northwest Passage Dispute between the US and Canada has a history of over 46 years, and is as frozen as the Arctic’s ice. In 1969, after the US owned super oil tanker (SS Manhattan) started its voyage from Alaska’s north coast to Texas, in an attempt to test the likelihood of shipping the oil through the passage, a dispute seed was sown between the two countries. In 1970, soon after the US voyage, the then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau’s government passed a bill known as, “The 1970 Arctic Water Pollution Prevention Act,” which states that only the Canadian government has the full jurisdiction and coastal control over the Northwest Passage, and no other country’s vessel can enter the passage without its consent. However, the US government opposed Canada’s claim of Northwest Passage being its “internal waters” stating that the passage is open to all and it is an “international strait” and the Northwest Passage Dispute started. After Pierre Trudeau, his son’s Justin Trudeau government started bilateral talks with Washington D.C., courtesy, President Barack Obama’s tactical motivation. The talks, which largely emphasized on environmental protection, started in March 2016 and ended in a joint statement which was released December 2016. According to the statement, all offshore oil and gas activities in US and Canadian Arctic waters were banned. However, the new President-elect seems to have a whole new ‘ Trump’s US arctic policy ‘ in place. He wants US to attain energy independence by developing its own energy resources. He is also very keen on building pipelines, such as the Keystone XL and may also grant permissions to private agencies in the energy sector. As of now, it seems like Trump is going to dig Alaska deep with his ‘America First’ and ‘self-sustainability’ policies.

Northwest Passage Marathon raising money for a good cause

Are you a marathon fanatic searching for something different? Then the Northwest Passage Marathon is for you. Held under the 24-hour Arctic sun, this is a wilderness run where the coast meets the forest. Starting near the Canadian border, you will run relay style for over 200 miles in breathtaking surroundings. You will see the glacial Cascade, icebergs, beluga whales and even polar bears. The Olympic Mountains and Deception Pass bring you rolling hills, quaint country villages and flowing rivers. Run with the wind, the bald eagles and the muskox. The Northwest Passage Marathon entails long distance relays run in teams, normally over two days and one night. It is a course for runners designed by runners, through this spectacular terrain. You will normally be in a team of 12 and run three legs, so it is the perfect race for everyone. The final miles of the course will be breathtakingly exciting and a huge welcome awaits at the finish line. Why not push your limits with friends and other runners and raise some money for your favourite charity at the same time? The number of teams is limited to 500, meaning that next year’s summer adventure will sell out quickly. Enjoy the marathon of a lifetime and join with other Relay racers going the distance for a good cause!

Northwest Passage adventure stories that inspire

I have a friend who Shares tales of Arctic’s Northwest Passage. They are fascinating and inspiring. Once he told me about the 20-day journey to the home of the polar bears and stunning fjords. He followed the footsteps of John Franklin, a Royal Navy officer, who died exploring the Northwest Passage. There, at Beechey Island, one can still find the graves from Franklin expedition that got lost in the distant 19th century. Recently I started to think about my own Northwest Passage adventure. I can’t wait to see ancient glaciers and icebergs that, unfortunately, are in danger today because of global warming. My dream is also to see polar bears, seals and narwhals. In the USA polar bears are listed as a threatened species, so maybe our grandchildren won’t have this chance anymore. A Northwest Passage adventure is a must for anyone who loves nature and collects enduring memories. Today it is easy to plan such a trip. There’s an entire cruise industry, and many companies offer to traverse the Northwest Passage on a passenger ship.

Northwest passage scenic byway is changing rapidly due to climate change

The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway follows the route through north- central Idaho that was used by the explorers’ Lewis and Clarke. The byway covers 202 miles beginning in the US 12 at Lewiston. It is a strategic route through Northern Canada that runs from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific. Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is of very great economic importance for both Canada and the United States, as it is used by trucks to transport goods to and fro. The byway has also been said to have the potential to link Europe and Asia through shipping, however, this has not been possible due to very low waterways and ice clogs. This area also has a lot of other economic activities going on around it such as tourism, boating and fishing. Though recently due to global warming the polar icecap has melted and resulted in habitat loss for wild animals, pollution and the exploitation of resources that has affected these economic activities. This region has been feeling the effects of climate change in a huge way, and this is why the Northwest Passage has a ‘new normal’ according to NASA satellite imagery because parts of it have become ice free especially through the Canadian archipelago on the Arctic. This situation is causing a bit of a conflict between Canada and the United States.

Northwest Passage in Canada needs to be safeguarded

The Northwest Passage in Canada is under constant observation lately as China now embarks on sending large cargo vessels through the narrow pass in a means to transport goods to the US. Although disputes have existed between the Canadian and American governments, over the authority of these straits, this hasn’t stopped China from making her own plans. This passage can save Chinese freights up to 40% in travelling times. Although Canada still claims that vessels must ask for permission when making the voyage through this narrow pass, US officials say jurisdiction comes under those of ‘international waters’. One area of concern for the Canadian government is that they may not be able to safeguard or rescue ships that hit ice, claiming it is still not safe enough. What may be good for China’s booming economy may not be as good for the Northwest Passage in Canada, as the area has been largely untouched; the risks to the local marine life are astronomical. Polar bears also reside throughout this icy passage. Ever since the SS Manhattan made its voyage here back in the 69, many have foreseen the impending moment, when melting ice caps would allow a passage for ships. Now Justin Trudeau, the current prime minister, faces a similar challenge to his father. Trudeau should move now to safeguard the Northwest Passage and commit to the claim that this passage belongs to Canada. Canada’s position on this matter should be strengthened.

Little known Northwest Passage facts

Here are some Northwest Passage facts that you should have as you go out exploring. Proof indicates that in the mid-1800s, the Northwest Passage was hard to transit. This was not achievable until the early twentieth century due to global warming, as discussed in my previous article on whether sailing on the Passage can be done. The discovery of the Passage was prompted by the need for ships to cut down travelling time. Before the building of the Panama Canal, ships had to navigate their way around South America’s tip to the Pacific from the Atlantic. An alternative was to head east and go around the south of America to reach Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Northwest Passage would have cut such journeys by many miles and days. Today, the Passage would make it cheaper and easier to transport Alaskan oil to the eastern U.S. and Europe. Canada would also benefit greatly from the development of its natural resources in the northern territories. A group of women willsnorkelthrough the Northwest Passage this year. This is an effort of the Sedna Epic Expedition that is tasked with the recording of climatic changes. The expedition intends to reach out to the girls and women in the community around the Northwest Passage and empower them to create communities to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of the best known Northwest Passage facts is that global warming has had an enormous impact on the area. The expedition seeks to inform the world of the importance of implementing policies that are science-based to reduce global warming.

Northwest Passage Sailing: Can it be Done? Should it be Done?

Sailing can be terrific but not when our environment pays the cost. In the Northwest passage sailing may well now be possible but the reasons for this aren’t good at all. Once again it’s man benefiting from his destructive behaviour. This is because it is none other than global warming which has opened the passage to navigation. These waters have always been frozen, but now warming has meant a retreat of the polar ice cap. People are asking How will Global Warming effect sailing on the North West Passage? The good news is that the route now means thousands of kilometers less to navigate for ships, saving the marine industry plenty of time and fuel, with a faster shipping route. Rising temperatures have certainly created Northwest Passage sailing opportunities, but many experts say that the Northwest Passage is too shallow and that the many islands and inlets make navigation too tricky because of lack of infrastructure such as harbours or ports.

Protecting the NW Passage for Canadian Sovereignity

Protecting the NW passage has become a burning issue in Canada. The global warming has resulted in the ice melting and the crust becoming thinner. This has posed security problems as earlier this area was covered by ice and not easily reachable. Thus protecting the NW passage has become critical for national security. Recently John Harper the Prime Minister has already stood ground against the USA regarding the NW passage.

The stakes are high and Canada needs to establish a firm sovereignity over the NW passage. It is about control of the polar archipelago consisting of over 20000 islands. During most of the times in the year, the islands are fused together by the ice making it a 3000 km wide landmass with a length of 900 km.

The recent meltdown offers a unique opportunity for Canada. The NW passage might become navigable and hence, decrease sea distance between Asia and America. Increasing sea temperature will also offer fishing opportunities, but the dangers of drugs and weapons coming from the unmonitored route is potentially a high risk. Protection of the passage for environmental reasons is also very important and we need to lead the way in this.

Cruise Ship Tourism Arrives in Canada

Notable cruise ship tourism arrives in Canada with the opening of the Northwest Passage. While regular tourism is an enormous source of profit for the Canadian government, cruise ship tourism arrives with a specific set of customers, customers who tend to live large and spend big.

Cruise ships in the Northwest Passage have had an easier time with the increasing snow-melt due to environmental factors, and now is the time of year when they start pouring through. This passage is known for its incredible displays of natural beauty, with fjords and glaciers offering views that are unique to this part of the world. These breathtaking landscapes often include the rare polar bear and Arctic seal, animals that most people will only ever see in zoo’s or on television. Eager to take advantage of those visitors from these voyages, Canadian businesses have been busy building up their advertising and merchandise, as they fight to see which landlubber can be attracted the most to these seafaring adventurers.

Canada has seen an increase in this type of tourist lately, with cruises in this part of the word being selected for their beautiful vistas, even if it is freezing out.