Arctic sovereignty

Arctic sovereignty refers to the legal and political rights that countries have over the Arctic region, including its land, waters, and resources. As climate change makes the Arctic more accessible, nations like Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway, and Denmark seek to establish ownership and control over parts of the Arctic, especially for navigation and natural resources like oil and minerals. These claims are guided by international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Maintaining sovereignty ensures nations can exercise jurisdiction, protect their interests, and collaborate on environmental and security issues in this strategically important region.