Published: 15 September, 2007, 11:29
Edited: 15 September, 2007, 11:29
The Arctic passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific has always been impassable. Now, however, for the first time in history, it has opened up completely. This is due to the ice in the sea melting as a result of global warming.
The shipping route through the Canadian Arctic could offer a cheaper alternative to the Panama Canal.
The European Space Agency reports that ice in the Arctic is now at its lowest level since satellite measurements began 30 years ago. The area of ice has decreased by approximately 1 million square kilometres in the last year alone.
Scientists say that the polar regions are very sensitive to climate change. Some experts have predicted the Arctic could be totally free of ice by 2040.