Recommendation 178

A warming Arctic means that previously inaccessible maritime regions may open up to economic activity. We heard from several witnesses, however, that the region would nevertheless remain a challenging environment in which to operate. Consequently, a substantial increase in economic activity is not guaranteed. Prof Dodds cautioned: “One thing that is very clear when you speak, for example, to business, industry or shipping representatives is that there is often a cautionary note: ‘Please don’t think that a warming Arctic makes the operating environment any easier, safer, or somehow cheaper. That is simply not the case.’” 206