Melting ice last week opened up both the northwest and northeast passages, the report said, making it possible for the first time in human history to circumnavigate the North Pole.
Shipping companies are already getting ready to exploit the new routes, it said, adding that if the ice continues to melt at present rates it will soon be possible to sail right across the North Pole. Many scientists now predict that the Arctic ocean will be ice-free in summer by 2030.
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