The benefits of a less severe climate are dependant on local conditions, but include reduced heating costs, increasing agricultural and forestry opportunities, more navigable northern sea routes, and marine access to resources (medium confidence). (ipcc.ch)
Beneficial impacts would include reduced heating costs and more navigable northern sea routes. (greenfacts.org)
Mariners have been dreaming about using the Northwest Passage above Canada and the Northern Sea route above Siberia for centuries. (discovermagazine.com)