Environmental Risks of the Development of Transit Through the Northen Sea Route

The Northern Sea Route and the resources of the Arctic are considered as the subjects for controversial discussions since the beginning of the development of the northern latitudes. A unique region of high international importance has faced a number of environmental problems in the light of economic activity. Climate change has become the driver for a new stage for the development of the northern lands and the Arctic Ocean. Because of an intensification of human activities in the Arctic region, environmental safety has been threatened. In particular, the Northern Sea Route can play a special role in appearing new risks to the environment. This paper presents an analysis of ecological risks in three directions - the melting of Arctic ice due to climate change, the pollution of the Arctic Ocean and the imbalance of ecosystems in the Arctic zone. It is the anthropogenic impact that caused the overwhelming majority of such problems. In order to continue to develop human activity in the Arctic, it is necessary to elaborate clear programs and recommendations for combating emerging hazards. Well-coordinated actions of states, right national policies and rational view on the usage of natural resources will be able to reduce pressure on the environment and prevent possible environmental threats.