United States Lacks Icebreakers

Anthropogenic actions have resulted in the changing of global climate causing increasing temperatures, changes in storms, and the decrease of polar ice. Less ice in the Arctic creates greater access to natural resources, such as minerals and energy, and the opening of shipping lanes which has the potential to cause a geopolitical battle for control of the Arctic. For a nation to have control of territory in the Arctic, they will need the resources to enforce domestic and international maritime law. Through Alaska lies access to maritime transportation and natural resources. The United States, in order to protect these areas, must have a capable force to deploy to the area to maintain sea lanes of communication, conduct search and rescue, and ensure the protection of natural resources. Therefore, the United States must invest in a modern icebreaking fleet.