The melting ice of the Arctic (2/2) | DW Documentary
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Published 2022-12-30
Part 1: • The melting ice of the Arctic (1/2) |...
In two episodes, this documentary reports on a region of the world that is changing dramatically because of climate change. This change affects the lives of the people who make their home in the Arctic, of course. The film team experiences first-hand what it means to live at the mercy of the forces of nature in this inhospitable region, which makes for an adventurous and frightening journey.
But the ramifications of an Arctic thaw are felt around the globe. Climate change is progressing faster here than in the rest of the world, and it is moving the Arctic into the focus of global politics. Littoral states and world powers are fighting for influence, here. At the heart of their interest: access to mineral resources and new transport routes. Because, as the ice melts, new, shorter shipping routes are opening up. Is a new conflict looming at the North Pole?
And how do the people in the far north experience the change in their environment? The film team travels through the northern reaches of the US, Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia. The journalists experience the wonder of nature in these regions and meet people who have adapted over centuries to life in these cold, inhospitable realms. Now, they face a new struggle, as global power players swoop in.
In the second part of the documentary, the film team boards a Norwegian frigate off Spitsbergen. There, they observe NATO’s response to the growing Russian influence in the region. This includes observation missions and an increased presence; there is even talk of bringing back submarines decommissioned since the end of the Cold War. Norway's intelligence service has clearly observed a more aggressive Russian military presence in the Arctic in recent years. Apparently, Russia wants to make it clear that it can dominate the Arctic.
Indeed, Russia identified the Arctic as an important sphere of influence following the end of the Cold War, especially with regard to the Northeast Passage. Alexei Chekunkov, Russia's Minister of Arctic Development, explains why: "The northern shipping route from China via Siberia and Scandinavia is 40 per cent shorter than the route via the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean." Climate change, he said, represents an opportunity for Russia. But how to get energy to where it’s needed in northern Siberia? The "Akademik Lomonosov," a floating nuclear power plant, may be one answer. Currently anchored in the port of Pevek, Russia's northernmost city, it can supply energy to some 100,000 households. The region around Pevek, which until now was home to just a few miners and reindeer herders, is thus one of several jumping-off points for Russia's tightening grip on the north.
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All Comments (21)
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Hats off to the writers of this documentary. Narration had the biggest impact and made it complete.
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I bet the cameras did no justice to the scenery you guys experienced…even so this was very beautiful! Good luck to Olga and her family☘️..I appreciate young strong minded women like her👍🏼🌎💙
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Of course Russia owns 53% of the shoreline. Any nation with this much frontier with potential mineral wealth would do the same.
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Utterly fascinating, beautiful and extraordinarily insightful. Thank you again DW for another brilliantly filmed and produced documentary of such great importance!!
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These people who live up there are hearty souls. I have limitless respect for them for being able to survive in such an inhospitable area. The musk oxen are amazing and I was unaware they lived up there.
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It was a very nice, brilliant, and informative documentary. It deserves a nominated Oscar Award.
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Such an incredible landscape. Kudos to the locals who have learned to survive in it.
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I stayed up very late to finish these 2-part documentaries... The ways it presented and dissected the situation and potential problems in the Arctic were excellent. Would love to see more of these materials of extreme significance. Thank you so much to the production team and field crew.
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Astonishing documentary, amazing images, a beautiful portrait of northern living on the edge and an absolutely frightening picture of global tensions.
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Great documentary. You explained a very complex situation well in your two videos. Thank you.
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The high production standards & quality content of DW documentaries is much appreciated. Thanks for sharing via YouTube 👍
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Thank you for this excellent documentary. Ive had the privilege as a researcher in aerial surveying to have been nearly everywhere this film has gone, yet I learned many things I did not know about those places. What fun it must have been... and adventure too.
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A documentary at its excellences! Thank you!
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This is just a breathe taking documentary..kudos to the editorial team
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As a Russian I find this documentary to be outstanding
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It's actually a good thing to reduce shipping traffic from the middle east and redirect that into northern Eurasia. This would help facilitate peaceful cooperation and economic development between Europe, Russia, and China.
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This is an excellent two part documentary that looks at many different aspects of the Arctic region. I had vaguely heard that the Russians have been increasing their interest in this area but like many I thought ‘so what?’. Now at least because of this documentary I have a better idea about why it is important for the world to take a greater interest in the Arctic region. This fact is particularly true when considering the issues surrounding climate change. Thank you DW for putting these two videos together.
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Amazing beauty, beautifully filmed, and the smiling Inouit even more beautiful ! Cudos to the courageous reporters! Thank you for the insight.
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I’ve been looking forward to this. I didn’t expect it so soon. Good show 👍
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Just incredible. Thanks to all whom made this doco. 🙏🤜🤛
