Competing for the Arctic

The Arctic is located in the northernmost part of Earth.

In many ways, it is very important to the whole world.

But in the coming years, it may play an even bigger role.

The Arctic is not actually a land, but an ocean of ice surrounded by land.

Due to extreme temperatures, the region stays frozen for much of the year.

The Arctic is also rich in ocean life and natural resources, including fossil fuel.

However, the arctic has been greatly affected by global warming.

As the temperature rises, the ice caps covering the region are breaking apart.

Many countries see this situation as a great opportunity.

As the ice caps break apart, more ships would be able to travel through the area.

Then, these countries would be able to access the Arctic's riches.

Countries like Russia, China, and the United States are competing for the region.

Each nation wants to control the natural resources and sea routes.

Some people even worry that a war may break out over this.

Meanwhile, scientists say that these countries are ignoring the real issue.

They say the environmental problems caused by the melting of the ice caps could be immense.

So instead of competing for the Arctic, everyone must work together to save it, they say.

 

• arctic  |ɑːrktɪk  북극의 (→Antarctic)  극도로 추운, 극한의 /  북극   northernmost  ˈnɔːrðərnmoʊst  최북단의   breaking apart  잘게 찢어져나가다

• break out  발발[발생]하다 (→관련 명사는 outbreak)