Greenland's once frozen waters are now nearly ice-free. China's not worried about the effect of global warming on the environment, though. They're more concerned about getting first dibs on profiting from the area's decline. 

China's vying to become a permanent observer for the Arctic Council, a position that would allow them a say in decisions involving minerals and shipping. 

So far, they've been incredibly aggressive in the move to gain unclaimed Arctic regions. China has shown they're uniquely qualified to access gas and oil sources in tricky locations in the northern Arctic. Since China also has an interest in exploring potential commercial shipping short-cuts through the area, they sent a ship to scout out possible routes.

Go to petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/869/770/954/dont-pave-the-arctic/?z00m=20424871