Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 43
Climate change creates new Royal Navy responsibilities from opening Arctic sea routes
Conclusion
Climate change is likely to lead to the opening of new sea routes due to the retreat of Arctic ice. While the overriding priority should be to minimise the effects of climate change, the UK Government must also be prepared for the likelihood that navigation via these routes will gradually become more possible in the future. Increased maritime traffic presents economic and trade opportunities but also has practical and strategic implications, such as the increased risk of accidents and the probability that navigation rights will be asserted and challenged. It is highly likely that increasing maritime activity in the High North will create new responsibilities for the Royal Navy, and Scotland’s geography means it would be likely to play a role in fulfilling those duties.
Government Response Summary
The government response is truncated and contains no substantive content regarding the recommendation.
Paragraph Reference:
43
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government Response: Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North 5