Announcement: the geopolitical situation in the arctic region

27.10. >> 7 p.m. at the Tropenzentrum

The first lecture will start directly with an interesting and ambitious subject. As we aim to make the lectures even more fruitfull and interesting, already for the first lecture we invited an external presenter. The subject he will talk about is the geopolitical situation in the arctic region.

The ice shield in the arctic region is melting faster then scientist believed just some years ago. In September 2008, the extent of the summer Arctic ice cap was at a near-record low, only 9 percent greater than the record low in 2007, and 33.6 percent below the average extent of sea ice from 1979 to 2000 (Source). Despite being an alarming sign of proceeding climate change, these developments arouse covetousness. The melting of the ice is making the Northwest Passage, the shipping routes through the northernmost latitudes, more navigable, raising the possibility that the Arctic region will become a prime trade route. In addition, it is believed that the Arctic seabed may contain substantial oil fields which may become accessible if the ice covering them melts. These factors have led to recent international debates as to which nations can claim sovereignty or ownership over the waters of the Arctic (Source).

The presenter is an expert of an international policy advisory institute, who worked on a recent study on the subject. Look forward to an interesting presentation and first hand information!

Unfortunately the TMS is blocked this Tuesday. We will move to the Tropenzentrum instead. Afterwards everyone is invited to join the party of the career center at the TMS.

Please come and be part of a good start of the Green Bug Lectures into the next semester!