ABSTRACT
In recent decades, there has been an increase in economic activities in the Arctic area, where both Arctic (e.g., Canada, Russian, US) and non-Arctic countries (e.g., China) have emerged as active players. Although the Arctic area attracts much attention due to (expected) vast reserves of natural resources and the prospects of fully exploiting the potential of Arctic shipping, many have argued that the risks are too high. According to this view, we are still not adequately prepared for the accompanying consequences of such activities. The Arctic environment remains fragile and may become a big contentious issue. Admittedly, many questions that are key to prepare for an ‘Arctic take-off’ remain unanswered.
