Polar Conservation & Future

Question 1

A new shipping lane called the Northern Sea Route is now open because Arctic ice has melted. Which statement best explains why Canada, Russia, and Norway are arguing over who should control this route?

Accepted Answer

The melting ice created a waterway for trade, and the countries want to set rules, collect fees, and protect the valuable oil, gas, and fish that lie under the water.

Answer

The countries think that planting a flag on the melted ice gives them ownership of the land.

Answer

Only the nation that is closest to the ice can decide who uses the route, so each country claims the whole area for itself.

Answer

The United Nations automatically decides who gets the new route, so the countries are just waiting for that decision.

Question 2

Why do nations dispute sovereignty over parts of the Arctic as the ice retreats and new shipping routes open?

Accepted Answer

Because melting ice reveals new shipping lanes and access to oil, gas, and minerals, so countries want control over those areas.

Answer

Because the ice melt means the Arctic will become a protected wildlife sanctuary that no country can use.

Answer

Because only indigenous peoples are allowed to decide who can use the Arctic, so countries don't argue.

Answer

Because the United Nations has already assigned each Arctic region to a different country, so there is no need for disputes.

Question 3

Which statement most clearly explains why many countries are now trying to claim parts of the Arctic as the ice disappears and new sea routes appear?

Accepted Answer

The loss of ice reveals valuable shipping lanes and untapped oil, gas, and mineral resources, so nations want control and the ability to collect profits.

Answer

The Arctic wildlife needs more protection, so countries are competing to create the biggest national parks.

Answer

Only scientists from the United Nations can study the melting ice, leading to a race to hire the most researchers.

Answer

Tourists want to visit the Arctic more often, and each country wants to earn more ticket sales.

Try three questions

A new shipping lane called the Northern Sea Route is now open because Arctic ice has melted. Which statement best explains why Canada, Russia, and Norway are arguing over who should control this route?

Why do nations dispute sovereignty over parts of the Arctic as the ice retreats and new shipping routes open?

Which statement most clearly explains why many countries are now trying to claim parts of the Arctic as the ice disappears and new sea routes appear?

Keep going on this shelf