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Melting Arctic ice poses security threat, says Pentagon

Posted at 10:09 AM on 14 May 2008

Waterways made navigable by melting Arctic ice pose a security threat to the northern U.S. border, says the Pentagon. The shrinking ice cap has led to increased interest in tourism and energy development in the Arctic, and the extra traffic makes the Pentagon wary. "The Arctic is a new area that is important to us because of the changes in ice flows," says Air Force General Gene Renuart. The Defense Department intends to beef up both its maritime and aerial surveillance of the northern border.

source: Associated Press

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Comments: (4 comments)

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really?

As far as I know Alaska is the only part of the US that has any part of it's northern border above the arctic circle. Maybe Canada is slated to become part of the US.

Mike Johnston

by enki at 5:51 AM on 15 May 2008

Yes, but...

...Alaska is a very, very, large state. With a very, very, long northern border.

Don't take it lightly just 'cause it's a single state.

by Tasermons Partner at 10:33 AM on 15 May 2008

What People SHOULD Take Lightly ...

is the Dr. Strangelove mentality of military people, especially those in the U.S. A "security threat to the northern U.S. border"? The biggest security threat to the U.S. is its extremely bloated military budget, which is threatening to cause the U.S. economy to implode.

by Wolverine at 11:04 AM on 18 May 2008

speculation..

perhaps the "special interest" in securing Alaska is due to the domestic oil production projects planned or already underway there...you know, pipeline issues. Anyone know more about the extent of oil production in Alaska?

by weldy at 5:15 AM on 02 Jun 2008

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