Shipping across the ice-free Arctic appears closer than ever. The new route will save fuel, but bring emissions and soot directly to the Arctic — possibly accelerating the ice melt.

Shell's start on a pilot well in once-frozen Arctic waters comes after $4 billion in preparation. It could take 10 years for this first Arctic well to produce oil.

The latest study on the unprecedented loss of ice covering the Arctic says it is 70 percent the result of human-caused climate change.

While a Canadian military leader calls for an increased Arctic presence, the U.S. still can't get more boats in the water.

White House National Economic Council director Larry Summers will return to Harvard at the end of the year. Who might replace him and what does…