Melting Arctic Ocean: a climate crisis and unfolding opportunities

Are there benefits to a melting Arctic?

Collage of pages from the “Melting Arctic Ocean - a climate crisis and unfolding opportunities'” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 13 June 2025

About this lesson

Ice is disappearing from the Arctic Ocean – fast. Since the 1980s, its volume has dropped by 70%. As the ice melts, new shipping routes open and untapped natural resources become accessible. What new global opportunities could arise as the Arctic melts – and who stands to benefit?

Use this lesson to help students

  • Understand the impact of climate change on the Arctic Ocean
  • Consider the various people impacted by the ice melting
  • Discuss whether the melting ice is an opportunity or a disaster

Skills and knowledge

  • Problem solving

    Step 0: I complete tasks by following instructions
    Did you follow instructions to stand at the poster you agree with the most?

    Step 1: I complete tasks by finding someone to help if I need them
    Did you discuss in your group and ask for help if you needed it?

    Step 4: I explore problems by creating different possible solutions
    Did you consider different possible solutions when sorting the cards in role?

  • Knowledge

    I know that climate change is causing ice to melt in the Arctic Ocean which can lead to both opportunities and disasters
    How will the ice melting impact different people?

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