clipped from: www.alternet.org   

The New Land Rush

Nations are racing to plant flags and claim the "new world" of islands and sea routes that are emerging as Arctic ice melts.

Recent news reports state that global warming and the shrinking Arctic icecaps are opening new sea lanes and making barren islands suddenly very valuable. In fact, the international community might experience a new race of exploration, conquest and acquisition for this "new world" -- these newly available lands and sea routes. Conflicts could arise over shipping lanes, islands, fish stocks, minerals and oil that are now becoming accessible and commercially exploitable.