The Biden administration will unveil a new strategy for the Arctic on Friday (October 7th), integrating the increasingly marked consequences of global warming in the region and increased competition, announced senior American officials.
Global warming is notably melting sea ice, opening previously closed areas to shipping and providing new opportunities for countries like the United States, Russia and China to compete for resources and influence.
“
The strategy presents the American vision of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative Arctic,
” one of the officials said.
Reduce emissions
It includes four main areas: security, climate change and environmental protection, sustainable economic development and international cooperation.
On security, the United States is committed to "
deterring threats to American homeland and our allies
," as well as better understanding how to operate in this region, the senior official said.
Faced with the growing impact of global warming, Washington wants to help Alaska - its northernmost state - to build resilience and adapt, and also intends to follow international initiatives aimed at reducing emissions in the Arctic.
Economically, the United States wants to identify ways to increase growth in the region "
and improve livelihoods in Alaska, especially for indigenous communities
," an official said.
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Cooperation between states in the region has been made more difficult since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
But “
the United States remains committed to supporting the institutions in place for Arctic cooperation
,” he noted.
The last document detailing US Arctic strategy dates back almost 10 years.
