ARCTIC REGION (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: The Arctic is projected to go ice-free for the first time by August or September of 2030 under all emission scenarios, according to a new study.

Arctic Region

• About: It is a polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth.
• Consist of: Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the United States.
• Mineral Resources and Hydrocarbons: The Arctic region holds substantial reserves of minerals such as coal, gypsum, diamonds, zinc, lead, placer gold, and quartz. Greenland alone possesses a significant portion of the world's rare earth reserves. 

oThe Arctic contains about 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas, making it a valuable source of hydrocarbon resources.

• Addressing India’s Energy Needs: With India being the third-largest energy-consuming country and oil importer globally, the melting ice in the Arctic facilitates easier access to these resources.
• Ocean Circulation and Climate Regulation: The Arctic plays a crucial role in circulating the world's ocean currents, influencing the movement of cold and warm water globally.
• Arctic-Himalaya Link: Despite their geographical separation, the Arctic and the Himalayas share interconnected environmental concerns. 

oThe Arctic's melting contributes to a better understanding of glacial melt in the Himalayas, often referred to as the 'third pole.'

• Arctic Council: It is an intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by Arctic Govts and indigenous people of the Arctic.
• Arctic Circle Boundaries: The Arctic Circle intersects only Kola and Chukchi Peninsulas, as well as the Davis and Denmark Straits.
• Arctic Tribes: The tribes of the Arctic include Aleut, Athabaskan, Gwich'in, Inuit, and Saami.