The Northwest Passage is a sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. In the past the Northwest Passage has been virtually impassable because it is covered by thick, year-round sea ice. However, satellite and other monitoring confirm that the Arctic sea ice is declining in both thickness and extent.
The potential benefits of a clear Northwest Passage are significant. Ship routes from Europe to Japan, China and other eastern destinations would be 4000 kilometers (2500 miles) shorter. Oil produced in Alaska could move quickly by ship to eastern North American and European markets. The vast mineral resources of the Canadian North will be much easier and economical to develop. This opportunity for expedient shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific is one of just a very small number of benefits that global warming might produce.
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