The U.S. just expanded its territory by a million square kilometers
The U.S. just expanded its territory by a million square kilometers
The U.S. has officially expanded its geographical territory by one million square kilometers -- an area nearly 60 percent the size of Alaska.
Excerpt:
”In a historic move, the United States has officially expanded its geographical territory by one million square kilometers — an area nearly 60 percent the size of Alaska. The catalyst for this territory expansion lies in the redefinition of the U.S. continental shelf boundaries.
By invoking international law, the State Department has outlined new areas under the sea where the continental shelf, a seabed area surrounding large landmasses with relatively shallow waters, extends further than previously recognized.
This monumental addition is spread across seven distinct ocean regions, with over half of the new territory located in the Arctic.”
.........
1,000,000 square kilometers! I know, nobody knows how much area that is, what even is a kilometer? But it's an important area of the world, gives us a legit claim to keep Russia out of the area, and takes ownership of tons of natural resources.
The Arctic may be the cradle of the future of humanity, as the rest of the planet becomes to warm to inhabit.
Further reading: America's Arctic strategy: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/docs/nat_arctic_strategy.pdf
"We seek an Arctic region that is stable and free of conflict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic and energy resources are developed in a sustainable manner that also respects the fragile environment and the interests and cultures of indigenous peoples."
Of course if the Republicans win again the strategy just reverts to "drill baby drill" and Trump will probably sign Alaska over to Russia as a gift.
"International law for thee, not for me!" - US
Under international law, countries have the right to claim sovereignty over areas of the ocean that lie beyond the 200-mile limit, as long as those areas are physically connected to underwater shelves that extend from continental masses. Sovereignty includes control over resource development.
But for the U.S., there is a catch: The U.S. Senate has not ratified the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the treaty under which such claims are adjudicated.
~
Of course if the Republicans win again the strategy just reverts to "drill baby drill"
Seems like that's the plan already. Fta,
Crucially, this declaration... focuses on control over the seabed and its resources, including mining and research rights, as well as pipeline activities.
Worth noting that U.S. oil production hit a record under Biden in 2023
"Guys, is there anyway to boost this global warming and destruction of nature we have been doing? Pls sign me up."
- Every damn entity that the resources to do so
For real, the real kick in the ass here is it's not just like the US withdrawing is going to make the situation any better, since Russia is trying to do the exact same stuff, and those assholes give even less of a fuck about anyone else than our assholes do
Although not yet a party to the treaty, the U.S. nevertheless observes the UN LOSC as reflective of customary international law and practice. Despite the efforts of numerous government officials, organizations, and industries since its creation, the treaty has yet to gather the Congressional support necessary for U.S. accession. NOAA
You can tell by how they followed the treaty completely voluntarily that it's actually a dastardly plan to not follow the treaty, even though the US could have done so at any time!
what even is a kilometer?
It's one of those weird Euro measurements that we don't use in the good old U.S. of A. Freedom units forever!
As a Canadian, I am not surprised. As global warming melts away the arctic, every country with any sort of territorial claim is asserting it at this point. Many are interested in the drilling and fishing rights. Canada is additionally interested in controlling the Northwest Passage, which is looking rather Panama Canal-like in its potential.
The business with who owns which continental shelf is where the real political battle is brewing, since it's easy to interpret the geological data in different ways to suit each country. A much-increased military presence in the arctic seems inevitable.
Just wait until they find the Stargate....
Oh I hope they find it on Hans Island! It's a desolate rock that's been the site of international intrigue already. There was a border dispute between Canada and Greenland which escalated to the point that Canadian Forces planted a sign reading "Welcome To Canada" and left a bottle of Canadian Club whiskey next to it. Greenland responded by replacing the sign with their own and leaving a bottle of Schnapps.
This right here. With the Panama Canal gridlocked and potentially having to eventually shut down due to droughts caused by climate change, there's going to be huge money to be made by controlling the North West Passage.
Here's a picture of all the new areas, called the ECS:
From here: https://www.state.gov/the-us-ecs/
"By invoking international law..."
... which they have failed to ratify for how many decades now?
Dibs