Arctic nations pledge to fight global warming despite rising tensions

Ice receding from a glacier is seen from an aerial helicopter tour near Kangerlussuaq

Arctic countries on Thursday pledged to fight global warming, which is happening three times faster in the Far North, and to preserve peace in the region as its geopolitical importance rises. Accelerated global warming, untapped resources, new maritime routes opened up by retreating sea ice, and the future of local populations all topped the agenda as foreign ministers of countries bordering the Arctic gathered in Reykjavik in Iceland. ‘We are committed to advancing a peaceful Arctic region where cooperation prevails on climate, the environment, science and safety,’ US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Arctic Council counterparts from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. ‘The Arctic as a region for strategic competition has seized the world's attention’ but ‘rule of law’ must be ensured so that it remains ‘a region free of conflict where countries act responsibly,’ he added.