Environmental changes in the polar regions are boosting new economic opportunities and transforming maritime activity in the regions. Access to previously unreachable natural resources is now possible and is encouraging new sovereignty claims by Arctic nations. All this, while eco-tourism is on the rise as the Arctic beckons to the adventurous.
Observing the Jakobshavn Glacier and witnessing the increased activity in the Arctic firsthand, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft and Arctic Caucus co-chairman Sen. Angus King, discussed the need for additional heavy icebreakers to protect U.S. economic and security interests and to enforce our own sovereignty.
