Melting glaciers 'threaten UK'
Melting ice in the Arctic could end up costing Britain billions of pounds. Leading scientists have told ITV News that the country needs to prepare now for the increased threat of flooding caused by rising sea levels.
Rapid Arctic melting is 'first and foremost a global issue'
A delegate from the influential Arctic Council that jointly governs the polar region has warned that the rapid melting of ice demand the attention of governments around the world.
The Council has just made its first visit to the North Pole, from where ITV News' Science Editor Lawrence McGinty just filed a report on the changing Arctic.
Icelandic delegate Jonas Allansson told ITV News that changes were taking place "much faster than anticipated" and that the policies of all nations must reflect this.
Among the issues the Council must address is access to the vast fossil fuel deposits that have become accessible with the shrinking ice, and the possibility of a northern shipping route that could dramatically reduce journey times for cargo ships.
The Council consists of delegates from the eight countries whose territories fall within the Arctic Circle, including the US, Canada, Russia and Norway.
-
Surviving Barneo, the North Pole's floating ice camp
How do scientists survive -30 degrees temperatures at Barneo, the temporary camp set up on floating ice near the North Pole?
-
Experts say melting glaciers are raising UK flood risk
Arctic glaciers are melting faster than expected fuelling a rise in sea levels, which experts believe could cost the UK billions of pounds.
-
Met Office investigating Arctic link to UK's record cold
As new figures show the record cold weather is persisting into April, the Met Office says it will investigate if Arctic melting is to blame.