News of the North

Travel from Europe to Asia by way of the Canadian Arctic has historically been almost impossible. But the melting sea ice has opened up the Northwest Passage, promising a shorter shipping route. Arctic nations are already preparing to divide the spoils as the ice retreats, negotiating land claims and sovereignty of the area.

But don’t start that Arctic Cruise Lines just yet. A World Conservation Union study shows that a quarter of the world’s mammals are headed towards extinction due to climate change and habitat loss. (Reptiles, amphibians, birds and plants aren’t getting off easy either.) Polar bears may be on the endangered list soon and two-thirds of their population will be gone by 2050 if current trends continue.

Don’t like it? Learn more about climate change and wildlife, and find out what you can do to stop global warming.