1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Arctic in focus

L. Wright and A. LeslieJanuary 28, 2014

The Arctic's oil and gas fields are becoming more accessible and trade routes are opening up. DW takes a closer look at some of the issues in this fragile region.

https://p.dw.com/p/1AXVz
An oil platform off the coast of Alaska, USA.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

With oil and gas exploration continuing at a rapid pace in the Arctic, environmentalists say that the region urgently needs a series of protection measures.

Due to the effects of climate change the issue of shipping is also coming to a head in the Arctic. Many nations are seeking to use the Arctic Ocean as a transport route in order to drastically reduce transport times.

The rapid rate of change in the area is affecting both local communities and animals alike.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis