Obama to Call for More Icebreakers in Arctic as U.S. Seeks Foothold

[Purveyor]

Source: New York Times

ANCHORAGE — President Obama on Tuesday will propose speeding the acquisition and building of new Coast Guard icebreakers that can operate year-round in the nation’s polar regions, part of an effort to close the gap between the United States and other nations, especially Russia, in a global competition to gain a foothold in the rapidly changing Arctic.

On the second day of a three-day trip to Alaska to highlight the challenge of climate change and call for a worldwide effort to address its root causes, Mr. Obama’s proposals will touch on one of its most profound effects. The retreat of Arctic sea ice has created opportunities for shipping, tourism, mineral exploration and fishing — and with it, a rush of marine traffic that is bringing new difficulties.

“Arctic ecosystems are among the most pristine and understudied in the world, meaning increased commercial activity comes with significant risks to the environment,” the White House said in a fact sheet issued in advance of an announcement by Mr. Obama in Seward, where he planned to hike to Exit Glacier on Tuesday and tour Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.

“The growth of human activity in the Arctic region will require highly engaged stewardship to maintain the open seas necessary for global commerce and scientific research, allow for search and rescue activities, and provide for regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/us/politics/obama-to-call-for-more-icebreakers-in-arctic-as-us-seeks-foothold.html?_r=0

[turbinetree]

1. This story just shows how stupid......................

this species(human) are when it comes living on this planet;

“Arctic ecosystems are among the most pristine and understudied in the world, meaning increased commercial activity comes with significant risks to the environment,” the White House said in a fact sheet issued in advance of an announcement by Mr. Obama in Seward, where he planned to hike to Exit Glacier on Tuesday and tour Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.

“The growth of human activity in the Arctic region will require highly engaged stewardship to maintain the open seas necessary for global commerce and scientific research, allow for search and rescue activities, and provide for regional peace and stability,” the statement said.


I mean really----------- "will require highly engaged stewardship to maintain open seas necessary for global commence and scientific research"

Why don't we (humans) just stay away---------------------greed is not good, and this region is a prime example of why greed is not good

[jtuck004]

2. We already fund several...

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) 3
National Iranian Oil Company (Iran) 3
Qatar General Petroleum Corporation (Qatar)3
Iraq National Oil Company (Iraq) 2,3
Petroleos de Venezuela.S.A. (Venezuela) 3
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (UAE)  3
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (Kuwait) 3
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (Nigeria) 3
National Oil Company  (Libya) 2,3
Sonatrach (Algeria) 2,3
...

http://www.petrostrategies.org/Links/Worlds_Largest_Oil_and_Gas_Companies_Sites.htm

[turbinetree]

4. That is the point......................excellant................

We don't need another area polluted for greed-----just once leave a place alone

[jtuck004]

5. That won't happen. There is a whole world out there wanting those resources. All of whom

think they might have as good a claim on them as we do.

Great place for an international pissing match. They are already making space in the papers to report the "incidents", I suspect.

On the plus side, those icebreakers may only need to last for 20 - or 30 years. Then the ice may no longer be a barrier, they can bring up those new fast attack ships, made with more carbon fiber.

'Course, a little extra CO2 release, and maybe that 30 will just be the end.

[Geronimoe]

3. While on summer vacation...

O gave a speech how dire Global Warming is, much worse than scientists predicted.

And then he prepares to open up the Arctic, in a race with other nations to drill for oil.

[KT2000]

6. the US Navy has been preparing

for the exploitation of the Arctic and the probable skirmishes that will take place between the various countries that claim it.
http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/~oliver/soc220/Lectures220/AmerInds/AmerInd%20FAQs%20from%20BIA.htm

This is our next hot spot.

[NickB79]

7. An amazing contradiction right there

Travel to the Arctic to call for greater action to fight climate change......

And then call for more icebreakers to clear a path for oil drilling.

The oil drilling your administration green-lighted.

[Purveyor]

8. This is more about keeping Russia in check in the region, imo. eom

[NickB79]

9. True. Russia makes no secret of their desire to drill the Arctic

[One_Life_To_Give]

10. Bout Time

The Polar Class built to Open passage to McMurdo Station were due for replacement many years ago. Even the relatively new Healy has 18 yrs under her belt. Unless we are going to keep an eye on all of the people/nations looking to exploit the arctic with Harbor Tugs or 1890's Brigantines



The Original Alaska Patrol Boat