Greenland's once frozen waters are now nearly ice-free. China's not worried about the effect of global warming on the environment, though. They're more concerned about getting first dibs on profiting from the area's decline.
China's vying to become a permanent observer for the Arctic Council, a position that would allow them a say in decisions involving minerals and shipping.
So far, they've been incredibly aggressive in the move to gain unclaimed Arctic regions. China has shown they're uniquely qualified to access gas and oil sources in tricky locations in the northern Arctic. Since China also has an interest in exploring potential commercial shipping short-cuts through the area, they sent a ship to scout out possible routes.
Allowing countries to use the Arctic for shipping routes and mining will only expose Greenland waters to worse environmental distress.
Urge NATO and the Arctic Council to protect the Arctic and its natural resources!
Dear NATO and the Arctic Council,
China's recent efforts to join the Arctic Council concern me. It seems clear that their intentions, along with the motives of the other countries who have attempted to join in the past several years, are not in the best interests of the environment at all. China has already drafted proposals to import work crews for construction of future mining endeavors, and have scouted out commercial shipping routes in the north.
[Your comments here]
I urge you to not grant China an early advantage for grabbing up Arctic regions. Please keep global warming and enviornmental concerns around shipping, mining, and drilling in mind during this sensitive time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
