기후위기로 열린 북극항로, 미·중·러 격전지 될까

The Arctic passage, once a symbol of cooperation, now teeters on the brink of a potential military clash involving the United States, China, and Russia. This geopolitical tension is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a broader climate crisis, as outlined in the 2026 Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum. The report warns that the combination of climate change and geopolitical conflict forms a complex risk that could reshape global political, economic, and social structures.

The author, Arthur Snell, draws on his extensive experience in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, to paint a vivid picture of the geopolitical crises unfolding around the world. His focus is particularly on the Arctic, where the competition for control of the North Sea route is intensifying.

The United States has established an American consulate in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, while China has been acquiring land in Iceland, Sweden, and Greenland to secure strategic points. Meanwhile, Russia continues to operate a nearly obsolete coal mine in Barentsburg, Svalbard, despite its low profitability.

The climate crisis is driving these geopolitical tensions, as new shipping routes, expanding deserts, and rising sea levels reshape international order and military dynamics. For instance, China's aggressive acquisition of key minerals and its efforts to control the Arctic route are threatening the global supply chain of critical resources like lithium and neodymium.

Meanwhile, Russia's continued operation of coal mines in Svalbard illustrates the country's reluctance to give up even unprofitable assets in the face of climate change.

Specialist Dr. Kyun Young Kim praises the book for its comprehensive analysis of the interplay between climate change and geopolitics, arguing that it offers a unique guide to understanding the changing global order and navigating the challenges ahead. The book serves as a crucial tool for anyone seeking to grasp the evolving nature of international relations in a world increasingly shaped by climate change.