United States Set to Appoint First Arctic Ambassador

President Biden plans to appoint an ambassador for the Arctic region, according to a press statement from the Department of State. The new position is being created to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change and glacial melting. The warming of the region is expected to make the arctic more accessible to energy exploration, but thawing ice will also open sea lanes and allow for increased trade and naval movement by Arctic States, shifting the geopolitical landscape.

“The Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region will advance U.S. policy in the Arctic,” the statement explains, “engage with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic nations as well as Indigenous groups, and work closely with domestic stakeholders, including state, local, and Tribal governments, businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, other federal government agencies and Congress.”

This decision comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tension, as the United States has positioned itself in opposition to China and Russia, both of which have arctic aspirations. For the past six months, the United States has provided aid to Ukraine as they defend against a Russian invasion. Foreign relations with China have also become strained following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island of Taiwan, which the mainland-ruling Chinese Communist Party claims and considers a ‘rogue province.’

Coverage of the announcement was consistent across the spectrum, with climate change being attributed to glacial melting by outlets of all bias ratings.