Global warming is causing the polar ice caps to receed at an alarming pace. This has made reaching places like Hans Island much easier than in the past. Turns out there is a considerable amount of money to be made in the artic. U.S geologists estimate that 25% of the earths untapped oil and gas reserves are located here. Not to mention, an estimated 2 trillion dollars worth of minerals. (well I guess I just mentioned it anyway) These treasures have led to disputes over which countries have rights to these places. Denmark and Canada are both claiming this island and in a sign of the times, Canadians and Danes took out competing Google ads, each proclaiming sovereignty over the rock 680 miles south of the North Pole. (Article) This may just be a sign 
of more things to come. With deminishing supplies of oil and gas and an increasing demand for it, we may see battles waged over polar bear country in the future. In doing a little reasearch into this subject I found an interesting site where you can purchase this island and many others. If you cant pull together the funds for your own island you can even rent them. I guess the question in the case of Hans Island is to whom should you make the check out to, Canada or Denmark?
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