Arctic Thaw: Climate Change and the Global Race for Energy Resources

McPherson, Stephanie Sammartino

ISBN 10: 1467720437 ISBN 13: 9781467720434

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books, 2014

Synopsis

Ice in the Arctic is disappearing―and opportunity is calling. As climate change transforms the top of the world, warmer conditions are exposing a treasure trove of energy resources previously trapped in ice. The Arctic's oil, natural gas, minerals, and even wind and hydroelectric power are becoming more accessible than ever before.

With untold riches hanging in the balance, the race is on to control the Arctic and its energy potential. Oil companies vie for drilling rights that go to the highest bidder. Nations around the globe―whether they're on the Arctic's doorstep or half a world away―hope to claim territory for themselves. And the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for thousands of years are determined to be on the ground floor of its development.

But the Arctic's new possibilities come with grave risks. The pursuit of oil and natural gas threatens to further damage the Arctic's fragile ecosystems and accelerate global warming worldwide. International disputes over who owns which pieces of the Arctic could bring countries to the brink of war. The fate of the entire planet may hinge on how far people are willing to go to tap and control the Far North's energy resources.

From oil rigs to military bases, the Arctic has never before hosted so many warring interests, and the stakes have never been so high. Join Stephanie Sammartino McPherson on a journey to the Far North to explore the energy controversies that will decide the future of the Arctic―and of the earth.

About this title

About the Author:

Stephanie Sammartino McPherson, a former teacher and freelance newspaper writer, enjoys writing about science and the human interest stories behind major discoveries. Stephanie and her husband Richard live in Virginia but also call California home.

Review:

"The melting of the Arctic ice cap offers opportunities for wealth and economic development, as well as unwelcome prospects. Included in some of the most concerning possible effects are geopolitical conflicts over control of this enormous region, social upheaval for the people living there, and environmental disasters with far-reaching consequences. McPherson's account opens in 2007 as a Russian submersible plants a Russian flag on the ocean floor below the ice at the North Pole. After following the international uproar that followed that event, the chapters examine issues such as the opening of the Northwest Passage to shipping and the likelihood of companies finding oil and natural gas deposits in previously inaccessible locations. The author also balances discussions of national and corporate interests with the points of view of indigenous people in the Arctic. Succinct and clearly written, the text offers up-to-date information, illustrated with clear color photos and useful maps. An articulate introduction to the Arctic in a time of profound, striking changes." ―Booklist

(Journal)

"An important case study and source of current information for serious students of climate change. Drawing almost exclusively from recent documents and news reports, McPherson surveys the ambitious, conflicting, and increasingly hostile claims that the major countries circling the Arctic have made on the polar region's major oil and gas resources. Along with showing how melting ice has already opened both the Northwest (over Canada) and the Northeast (over Russia) Passages to shipping, she frankly explores the ecological and economic challenges faced by indigenous peoples and by Greenland, which is inching its way toward independence over vast and increasingly accessible reserves of oil, rare earths, and other potentially lucrative natural resources. The author closes with a consideration of sources of renewable energy, including Russia's potentially alarming plan to build multiple floating nuclear reactors in Arctic waters, and generous lists of relevant print and web documents. Revealing maps and small but often telling color photos underscore the idea that serious climate change isn't just coming to this region; it has already arrived." ―School Library Journal

(Journal)

"Adding this title to a collection will help bring new excitement to the debate on climate change. International controversy among superpowers is discussed. With billions of dollars at stake, there are those for whom their way of life means more than money. Without its being preachy, students are educated about the salient issues pertaining to environmentally sustainable energy versus global warming. Major players are introduced with enough information to make students want to know more, and issues of sovereignty are handled evenly. Well-placed photographs complete this well-balanced and well-designed read. Bibliography. Glossary. Websites. Index. [Editor's Note: Available in e-book format.] Highly Recommended."―starred, Library Media Connection

(Journal)

4Q 3P J S

"Climate change is affecting the arctic region more than any other place on earth. From natural resources to trade routes, McPherson discusses each of the issues. While not entirely unbiased, Arctic Thaw presents both sides of each point. It is clear from the writing and facts that control of this region―most of which is oceanic―is highly desired, lucrative, and will alter the entire world. There are many benefits to the mostly untapped natural resources. As the melting of polar caps opens trade routes and new technologies emerge, decisions on if, and by whom, these resources should be accessed need to be made quickly. Many countries―even those not adjacent to this area, feel they have a claim, and the indigenous people risk losing either livelihood, standard of living, culture, or all of the above.
Complete with glossary, source notes, index, and selected bibliography, this is an excellent resource for school libraries and those passionate about the environment or politics. While the author does an excellent job of presenting complex issues in a straightforward manner, many of the topics are complicated, and less focused readers may become bogged down with facts. The relevance and detail, however, will most likely encourage readers to seek more information." ―VOYA

(Journal)

About this edition

• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1467720437
• ISBN 13: 9781467720434
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64