Global warming’s positive side effect

Global warming is reducing Arctic ice enough to open sea lanes for months, creating shorter shipping routes across the “polar shortcut” that can save a third of the cost and half the time sending goods from Russia to China through the Suez Canal. This northern route is only open a few months per year and requires large ice breakers, but it is pirate-free.  Read the full Arctic ice melt lifts hopes for Russian maritime trade story at Reuters.

Space Station Cooperation Continues

I am so glad to see the countries continuing to cooperate with the International Space Station as Russia sends astronauts from Russia, Europe and the U.S. into space again, especially given all the unrest and rioting around the world these days.  I sure wish there could be peace everywhere.  Read the Multinational crew blasts off for space station story at Reuters for more details.