The Negative Effects Of The Northwest Passage

423 Words2 Pages
It is common knowledge that sea ice has been melting rapidly within the last decade. This rapid decrease in sea ice has many detrimental effects. This includes the rise in sea level, loss of arctic environments for animals, and the change in weather patterns. Ice is lighter in color so it reflects much of the sunlight that is put out. When open water is revealed from ice melt it is darker in color so it absorbs more sunlight, leading to that rapid melting of ice that we see today. This loss in sea ice can only help one industry, which is shipping. When the sea ice melts, it opens up new shipping routes. The “Northwest Passage” is an arctic sea route which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This route is shorter than the traditional