Strange, super-hot temperatures at the Arctic mean that sea ice is melting  

The Independent has an article on the unprecedented warmth in the Arctic - Strange, super-hot temperatures at the Arctic mean that sea ice is melting. Yale Environment 360 reports that the Chinese and Russians are looking to take advantage of the new shipping lanes opening up to the North - Full Speed Ahead: Shipping Plans Grow as Arctic Ice Fades.

Russia, China, and other nations are stepping up preparations for the day when large numbers of cargo ships will be traversing a once-icebound Arctic Ocean. But with vessels already plying these waters, experts say the time is now to prepare for the inevitable environmental fallout.