A call for increased U.S. leadership in the Arctic

By U.S. Sen. Angus King

(I-Maine)

Imagine for a moment if, today, we unexpectedly uncovered an uncharted area as large as the Mediterranean Sea. Difficult to believe, isn’t it? But, in effect, that’s what’s happening in the Arctic right now. A rapidly warming Arctic environment is melting the once frozen terrain and opening up an entirely new frontier. The important question is: how will the global community respond?

Recently, I traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland to participate in the 3rd annual Arctic Circle Assembly, in part to answer that question. The four day event brought together more than 2,000 people from approximately fifty different countries to discuss how the global community can best meet the emerging challenges and opportunities associated with the changing Arctic environment. I also made the journey – which included an impressive delegation from Maine comprised of local and state officials, business leaders, researchers, educators, and trade experts – to help raise Maine’s profile when it comes to the Arctic and to work to ensure that our state is well-positioned to pursue new avenues for economic development in the region.

As the Arctic climate warms up, so too does global interest in the region. Melting ice has made way for new shipping routes — a development that brings new economic opportunities and that underscores the challenges presented by global climate change. As a member of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, I have made it a priority to confront the realities of a changing world, and that extends into the Arctic.

Maine has an important role to play as we work to increase American engagement in the Arctic, and I will continue to do all I can to make sure our state has a voice at the table as Arctic issues unfold, and to bring about bold and visionary U.S. leadership in this dynamic region. As Chair of the Arctic Council, I hope we can channel the same type of steadfast determination I saw in Iceland to encourage robust environment stewardship, responsible resource management and economic development, much-needed investment in Arctic infrastructure such as icebreakers and rescue assets, and the continued protection of U.S. national security interests.

The U.S. can play an active and productive role in the Arctic, and in the process, help promote peace and stability in this increasingly important region.