Scientists and humanity in general might see global warming as a life-threatening disaster, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sees a trade opportunity.
During a speech on Monday at the 11th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland, Pompeo took a moment to extol the benefits of rapidly melting ice caps.
“Steady reductions in sea ice are opening new passageways and new opportunities for trade,” Pompeo said. “This could potentially slash the time it takes to travel between Asia and the West by as much as 20 days.”
The bizarre quote highlights how the secretary of state’s speech largely focused on trade competition rather than the Council’s mission of environmental protection.
Read the full transcript of Pompeo’s remarks here.
Update: This article contained a paragraph incorrectly stating that melting sea ice is responsible for rising ocean levels. The error has been removed.
