2021 年的研究发现，由于海冰变厚，西北航道的无冰航运季节正在缩短。 2021 study finds Northwest Passage's ice-free shipping season shortening due to thicker sea ice.

一项研究显示，由于海冰流变厚，西北航道（大西洋和太平洋之间的潜在北极航道）的无冰航运季节正在缩短。 A study reveals that the Northwest Passage, a potential Arctic shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is experiencing a shorter ice-free shipping season due to thicker sea ice flow. 与之前的预期相反，气候变化并没有像预期的那样打开航道，而且它可能无法成为传统航线的可行替代方案。 Contrary to previous expectations, climate change is not opening up the passage as anticipated, and it may remain unlikely to become a viable alternative to traditional shipping routes.