From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Developing the last frontier without destroying it.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most. Ice in the Arctic is melting faster than scientists ever expected, and the

international rush is on for oil, gas, and minerals needed for high technology. Northern

shipping lines may be cutting traffic through the Panama Canal, and there's concern that the U.S.

is falling behind. But the Arctic will still be one of the most delicate, and there's concern that the U.S. is falling behind.

But the Arctic will still be one of the most delicate, unpredictable regions on Earth,

vulnerable to minor mistakes that can turn into major catastrophes.

Can efforts at preservation keep up with development?

We'll get a progress report.

On reporter's notebook later on Mitt Romney, Mormon tradition, and a blogger's possible excommunication.

On To the Point.

Support for To The Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Hello again, Mormon Alney, back with To the Point.

The rapid melting of Arctic ice has

triggered political and economic competition among the world's great powers. Even China is getting into the

act. Is the U.S. holding its own? Can a remote and massive part of the world be preserved as well as

developed? On reporter's notebook, a Mormon blogger may be excommunicated for questioning

Mormon teachings, but not for criticizing Mitt Romney. First, this news update. President Obama's

appearance at this week's annual meeting of the UN General Assembly may set a record for brevity.

After a quick chat with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his own speech, he'll be leaving.

...