Ecology Of The Canadian Arctic Archipelago

When Canada's Changing North was first published in 1971, it quickly became a popular and reliable overview of the geography and culture of the Canadian North. In the three decades since it first appeared, great changes have occurred in this huge region that makes up two thirds of Canada's total area. This revised and expanded edition provides a new generation with a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the Canadian North and outlines how this region has become increasingly integrated into both the Canadian national fabric and the world. the legal recognition of aboriginal rights by the Canadian state, which has led directly to significant increases in their political and economic power. It also examines how economic development, which has long focused on non-renewable natural resources, particularly minerals, has grown to an enormous scale. Development of arctic oil and gas, which hinges on world supplies and national and international politics, has meant major changes across the North. Some of the new national parks in the Canadian North are already under threat from mineral development. Northern tourism has made it possible for a wide variety of affluent visitors to visit hitherto remote areas, affecting the ecology. The final selection, on northern challenges, discusses critical issues such as the impact of climatic change, the social needs (e.g. housing, education) of a rapidly increasing aboriginal population, environmental protection of unique regions, and defence of Arctic sovereignty. Of the 62 readings in this edition, 41 are new.

The crossing of the Northwest Passage in August 1985 by a US icebreaker, without requesting authorisation, raised the whole question of Canada's sovereignty over the waters of its Arctic Archipelago. Given this controversy and the existence of similar situations in other parts of the world, this book presents an examination of the international legal validity of Canada's claim by an in-depth study of three possible bases in international law: the sector theory, the doctrine of historic waters and the Straight baseline system. This work is the second of a series of monographs arising from the Canadian Northern Waters Project of the Dalhousie Ocean Studies Programme, It draws on examples from other parts of the world, and, as such it will have relevance beyond the development of the Canadian Arctic. Professor Pharand is a recognised authority in this field. His earlier book, The Law of the Sea of the Arctic is still one of the standard reference works in the area, but with changes in the general law of the sea, this monograph presents a timely reappraisal of the relevant legal theories and practices.

The Arctic islands are characterised by beautiful mountains and glaciers, in which the wildlife lives in delicate balance with its environment. It is a region with a long history of exploration and exploitation by humans, now experiencing rapid environmental change. All of these themes are explored in Islands of the Arctic, richly illustrated with superb photographs from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland, Svalbard and the Russian Arctic. It begins with the various processes shaping the landscape: glaciers, rivers and coastal processes, the role of ice in the oceans and the weather and climate. The flora and fauna are described, and the human impact on this fragile region; from the sustainable approach of the Inuit, to the devastating damage inflicted by hunters and in the cause of military security. Finally, the future prospects of the region are considered. This book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in remote landscapes.