文章基本信息

标题：Arctic Energy Resources: Security and Environmental Implications
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作者：Peter Johnston
期刊名称：Journal of Strategic Security
印刷版ISSN：1944-0464
电子版ISSN：1944-0472
出版年度：2012
卷号：5
期号：3
页码：13-32
出版社：Henley-Putnam University
摘要：In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the Arctic as a source for resources, as apotential zone for commercial shipping, and as a region that might experience conflict due to itsstrategic importance. With regards to energy resources, some studies suggest that the region containsupwards of 13 percent of global undiscovered oil, 30 percent of undiscovered gas, and multiples moreof gas hydrates. The decreasing amount and duration of Arctic ice cover suggests that extraction ofthese resources will be increasingly commercially viable. Arctic and non-arctic states wish to benefitfrom the region's resources and the potential circum-polar navigation possibilities. This has led toconcerns about the environmental risks of these operations as well as the fear that competitionbetween states for resources might result in conflict. Unresolved offshore boundaries between theArctic states exacerbate these fears. Yet, the risk of conflict seems overstated considering the bilateraland multilateral steps undertaken by the Arctic states to resolve contentious issues. This article willexamine the potential impact of Arctic energy resources on global security as well as the regionalenvironment and examine the actions of concerned states to promote their interests in the region