The opening of the Arctic passages

NY Times:
...
...  Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin of Russia offered a full-throated endorsement of the new business prospects in the thawing north.
“The Arctic is the shortcut between the largest markets of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “It is an excellent opportunity to optimize costs.” 
This summer, one of the warmest on record in the Arctic, a tanker set a speed record by crossing the Arctic Ocean in six and a half days, carrying a cargo of natural gascondensate. The previous record was eight days.
...
There is much more about the opportunities resulting from a warmer world.  There is one other advantage.  The Somali pirates will not be able to capitalize on these new opportunities.

The article talks about the Northeast Passage, but the Northwest Passage over Canada and Alaska is one that can really benefit the US.  It could revolutionize transport from Asia.

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