Future changes in activity structures of the globe under a receding Arctic ice scenario

Geospatial maps are here used for interpreting of what a scenario with a warming Arctic with less ice will mean for activity structures of the globe in the future. This will enable certain locations in the High North to become important activity areas. Of most consequence are the fundamental activity structures of Earth, like global shipping, world trade and oil extraction. These will be impacted as the Arctic sea routes have opened, opening up shorter shipping distances between the N-Pacific and N-Atlantic Oceans. The reduction of ice in the Arctic Ocean will also lead to ever improved access to the resources of Arctic ocean-floor and the Arctic Region—perhaps most importantly to oil and gas.The conclusions also indicate that some central regions of the globe may loose relatively, for instance in terms of global shipping. Oil-rich central areas—like the Persian Gulf area—will face losses in activity as their oil starts to dwindle. Arctic oil is now about 10% of the world production. The rate of Arctic ice reduction will influence the rate of growth in Arctic resource extraction and it will likely occur later this century. The activity and importance of the Arctic will thus grow relatively.