As ice in the Arctic region continues to melt as a result of climate change, the U.S. is hoping to capitalize on the new opportunities for trade and transportation the Arctic could offer while simultaneously combating potential geopolitical threats posed by the melting ice.

Speaking in Finland this month to members of the Arctic Council, a group of eight nations whose territories border the Arctic region, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that new sea lanes would allow ships to reduce the time it takes to get between continents.