Looming Icebreaker Breakdown

The deteriorating condition and advanced age of Coast Guard icebreaking ships in polar regions are jeopardizing both scientific research and national security, according to the National Research Council. Long-term maintenance on two of the most heavily used vessels--which have been on the seas for almost 30 years--has been deferred in recent years. Hey, maybe if we keep putting it off, global warming will take care of the problem.