The Barter Island DEW line site (Defense Early Warning), outside the city of Kaktovik, stands as a monument to the Arctic's strategic position, a remnant of the Cold war. Climate change is now opening up the Arctic for potential oil and gas exploration as the sea ice retreats. The question of who owns the Arctic is still very much unclear with the five Arctic powers the US, Canada, Russia, Denmark and Norway all jostling for 'pole' position. Countries are once again stepping up their military presence in the far north. Russia have already planted a flag on the sea bed at the North pole while Canada have increased funding for cold weather training centres and new patrol vessels. The battle for the Arctic has begun and many people are looking to the UN to secure its peaceful future.