The scramble for polar regions: Trading routes mustn’t carve up our last wilderness

Owners of cruise liners, trawlers and mining companies are licking their lips at the thought of exploiting Arctic riches

There is massive amount of interest in using the North West Passage as a commercial route for shipping (Getty)

Ice in the Earth’s polar regions is rapidly melting and pristine ecosystems are being pulled apart at the seam.

Not only is this a sad story of vast environmental loss, ice melt is also opening up parts of the world that were previously inaccessible.

Owners of cruise liners, trawlers and mining companies are licking their lips at the thought of exploiting its riches for short-term economic gain.