Organisation - May 16, 2013
Ownership
This month the eight polar countries are getting together in the Arctic Council to discuss the future of the North Pole. More and more countries are seeking a say on the region in the hope that they can then share the pickings when it come to exploitation of its underground resources, for instance. So who has a say and who does the melting icecap belong to, actually?

In spite of all these theories, I am continually reminded of the famous 1854 speech of Chief Seattle. What do you mean by ownership and property? His speech was a response to the bid by the American government to buy the land of the Duwamish Indians. Is that possible, Seattle asked his white audience. 'If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?'
Haven't we learned anything?