Module 2.1 Discussion Topic

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University of British Columbia *

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Geography

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Oct 30, 2023

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2

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Climate Change and the Oil & Gas Exploration of the Arctic In the past, the vast ice coverage protected the arctic region and its ecosystems. It also prevented intense anthropogenic activities from disturbing the steady balance of the ecosystem. The current changes occurring in the climate, has led to an expedited increase in the melting of ice sheets and calving of glaciers. This has opened up the arctic region to further inland exploration in the summer months. The arctic region is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, and with more land available to examine, it has opened up many opportunities for human exploration and mining of these natural resources to take place. I do not support the invasion of large-scale oil and gas development in the Arctic region and believe it shouldn’t be permitted. It would lead to several detrimental effects on the regions and the species present there. Humans entering the Arctic region will bring in a plethora of problems of its own, such as invasive species which will end up being harmful to the current present fauna and flora. It would also cause stress to the environment through increase in pollution levels (Nantel et al., 2014). The burning of fossil fuels such as oil and gas equipped in order to extract more of the resource from the Arctic would result in an increase in the methane, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, all of which act as agents of trapping heat energy, resulting in an increase in the temperatures over the Arctic region (Hassol, 2004). An increase in off- shore oil drilling while increasing the chances of gaining economic opportunities, also has the dangerous side effect of risking water pollution and poisoning the marine life through oil spills. For example, Hassol (2004) speaks on how oil spills in the northern region tend to remain much longer with much more adverse effects seen. To illustrate this, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 caused the deaths of many seabirds and marine life like salmon, sea otters, harlequin ducks, and shellfish. A later study done on these creatures demonstrated the chronic long term effects such as stunted growth, delayed reproduction rates, and an increased risk of endangerment. This vulnerability is enhanced when taking into consideration that the thawing of the permafrost will cause soil to dampen and shift, leading to erosion taking place. This erosional activity can threaten the foundation of the oil extraction facility, and the excess drainage increasing the sea levels can cause further disturbances that endanger the area through bursting pipelines on account of unstable ground (Hassol, 2004).
It becomes our first priority to preserve the ecosystems essential to the Arctic region and preserve the climate the best we can. Preventing big industries from extracting oil and gas from the arctic region also presents the opportunity to double down and invest into renewable energy resources which are an environmental friendly and a safer option in genera References Hassol, S. J. (2004). Impacts of a warming arctic: Arctic climate impact assessment. Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.amap.no/documents/doc/impacts-of-a-warming-arctic- 2004/786 Nantel, P., Pellatt, M. G., Keenleyside, K., Gray, P. A. (2014). Chapter 6: Biodiversity and protected areas. In F. J. Warren & D. S. Lemmen (Eds.),Canada in a changing climate: Sector perspectives on impacts and adaptation (pp. 161-182). Retrieved from the Government of Canada website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/earthsciences/pdf/asse ss/2014/pdf/Full-Report_Eng.pdf
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