Test Questions on the Impact of Climate Change on Arctic Competition

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🧊 Arctic Warming: The Arctic is warming at roughly twice the global average rate. This is due to a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
• 🚢 Increased Accessibility: Melting sea ice opens up new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, making the Arctic more accessible.
• 💰 Resource Competition: The Arctic is estimated to hold vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals. This has led to increased competition among nations for access to these resources.
• 🌍 Geopolitical Implications: Climate change in the Arctic has significant geopolitical implications, as nations vie for influence and control in the region.
• ⚓ Military Presence: Several countries are increasing their military presence in the Arctic to protect their interests and assert their sovereignty.
• 📜 International Law: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) governs maritime activities in the Arctic, but disputes over territorial claims and resource rights persist.
• 🌡️ Feedback Loops: Melting ice and snow reduce the Earth's albedo (reflectivity), leading to further warming. This is an example of a positive feedback loop.

📝 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a primary driver of increased competition in the Arctic?
   1. A. Decreasing global population
   2. B. Discovery of new plant species
   3. C. Melting sea ice opening new shipping routes and resource access
   4. D. Increased stability in global politics
2. What is the term for the phenomenon where the Arctic warms at a rate faster than the global average?
   1. A. Global Dimming
   2. B. Arctic Amplification
   3. C. Polar Vortex
   4. D. Climate Oscillation
3. Which international agreement most directly governs maritime activities and resource rights in the Arctic?
   1. A. Kyoto Protocol
   2. B. Paris Agreement
   3. C. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
   4. D. Antarctic Treaty System
4. What is a major consequence of melting ice and snow in the Arctic, related to the Earth's albedo?
   1. A. Decreased ocean salinity
   2. B. Increased reflection of solar radiation
   3. C. Decreased absorption of solar radiation, leading to further cooling
   4. D. Reduced reflection of solar radiation, leading to further warming
5. Which type of natural resource is a key factor in the increased competition in the Arctic?
   1. A. Renewable energy sources
   2. B. Oil, natural gas, and minerals
   3. C. Timber reserves
   4. D. Geothermal energy
6. What geopolitical trend is most associated with climate change in the Arctic?
   1. A. Decreasing military presence
   2. B. Increased international cooperation and trust
   3. C. Decreased interest in resource extraction
   4. D. Increased military presence and competition for influence
7. What is the name of the potential shipping route through the Arctic along the coast of Russia?
   1. A. Northwest Passage
   2. B. Panama Canal Route
   3. C. Northern Sea Route
   4. D. Strait of Magellan Route