Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discusses the coming political ramifications of climate change, particularly in the Arctic region.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen:  There’s no doubt that climate change will have a major impact on the geopolitical challenges.  The fact that the ice in the Arctic is melting will open new sea lanes.  It will open new opportunities for the exploration of natural resources in the Arctic.  And all of that holds the potential of increased tensions in the high North.  Hopefully those tensions can be resolved peacefully.  For instance within the Arctic Council.

Last December President Putin delivered a speech in which he announced that Russia is going to build up its military presence in the Arctic.  And, of course, it is an indication that there might be increased tensions in the future including military tensions.  And obviously NATO should stay prepared also in that situation our Article 5 Collective Defense Commitment covers the whole of NATO territory including NATO territory in the Arctic.