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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.

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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.

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