We recently covered the shocking revelation that the Arctic sea ice was set to melt to an all time low this year (It will surpass predicted 2050 levels in fact). While this sounds to me like the IPCC has been woefully conservative in just how fast certain feedback mechanisms will warm the Arctic, it sounds to a lot of other people like the starting gun on a race for Arctic resources.

Sure we could be concerned about the deadly consequences of melting Arctic sea ice (thermohaline current disruption, destruction of the polar bear, melting permafrost, etc) caused by our rampant burning of fossil fuels. Or we could look on the bright side and see that really all that missing ice just makes it easier to dig up MORE oil and gas! (note: this is a demonstration of sarcasm)

The melting is already well underway, the fabled “northwest passage” Is becoming less “fabled” every day. In times past the main hindrance to this chilly ocean voyage was the ever present sea ice. As of the writing of this post the Northwest passage is nearly ice-free for the first time since records began.

Continue reading The Arctic Ice Is Melting, But Who Cares! They’s Oil In Them Thar Slush Piles! →