For centuries explorers have attempted to conquer the trackless cold wastes of the Arctic with no success. Multiple expeditions were staged to find a faster way to Asia (Cathay as it was referred to then) from Europe through the famous Northwest Passage to no avail, dying in the process. Later, with the development of technology and knowledge of the seas, it was conquered and questions were asked of its scientific significance prompting research of the land and later development. Through war, peace-time, and at multiple points within the 20th century a nuclear wasteland, the Arctic has proven to be a bastion of peace in a world that continues to destabilize. With the discovery of a massive abundance of natural resources in the 20th century and new access to them due to climate change in the 21st century, peace could be in jeopardy. The Arctic nations continue to quarrel over which part of the Arctic is theirs and the resources along with it. The Arctic Council, powerless and withdrawn, cannot do more than try and set an example - this has not worked. With the continued failure of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas failing to yield results on disputes, the WTO is a last resort in a way. Within this committee delegates will debate and propose resolutions to the issues surrounding territorial disputes in the Arctic sea and the new shipping routes opening due to climate change. In addition, delegates will also debate the rights and implications of nations to extract natural resources within the region.