Managing Cold Environments - Strageties

Trans-Alaskan Pipeline

Trans-Alaskan Pipeline

In 1969 – oil discovered at Prudhoe Bay

Enabled Oil to be transported 1300km North to South

Problems: Crosses Rivers. Oil from ground is very hot – could melt permafrost.Pumping stations keep it moving. Passes beneath rivers.Possible cracks caused by earthquakes – could lead to leaks.Large herds (Caribou) migrate across route of the pipeline

Solution:Pumping stations keep it moving. Passes beneath rivers.Raised on stilts and insulated to retain heat. Supported and flexible: flow of oil stops if there is a leak. Raised to allow Caribou to migrate underneath

WWF in Canada

The WWF…

Works with local communities to manage critical ecosystems, e.g. Beaufort Sea

Supports scientific research to help protect important species such as polar bears, narwhal and Greenland Shark

Works with oil companies, local Inuit organisations and government regulators to plan for a sustainable future for the Arctic

Successes: Bowhead Whale Sanctuary to be Protected in Nunavut

An extensive area off the coast of Baffin Island, Nunavut, has become Canada's newest proposed National Wildlife Area. This area contains critical habitat for threatened bowhead whales.

International Organisations - Arctic Council

Established in 1996, the International Agreements can influence what happens to cold environments and their ecosystems.This represents 8 countries and the indigenous people of the Arctic.Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection are priorities – but also ensure importance of not harming economies of indigenous people. Influential in implementing/enforcing protection laws.20.2% of the Arctic’s terrestrial area is protected

International Agreements – Antarctic Treaty

In 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was signed by countries with territorial claims to Antarctica.

Aim to protect natural environment of largest wilderness on Earth

Despite the discovery of valuable minerals, the Antarctic treaty has been successful in preventing economic development:

• Recognizes the importance of continents for scientific research, climate change

• Controls tourism and keeps disturbances to minimum

National Governments - Alaska

Alaska –

State is running short of money due to low world oil prices – some wanted to produce more to increase income.

Banned Oil Exploration from taking place in 12 million acres of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Just over 10% of all Arctic land now has some level of protection – but each country has its own laws on how industries are controlled.

Not all laws are followed through – Norway still hunts whales. Iceland still hunt shark.

Action by Governments – Alaska, USA

The National Environmental Policy Act, ensuring that companies involved with the

extraction and transportation of oil protect the natural environment and rights of native

people

Creation of Western Arctic Reserve – 9 million hectare protected wilderness. Drilling of oil prevented from this area

SUCCESS: the Western Arctic Caribou herd is the largest herd in Alaska.

Sustainable fisheries and protection of marine habitats – Fisherman and Scientists are working together to protecting vulnerable habitats from human impacts. Fundamental to maintaining Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, valued at $4.2 billion in sales impact.

Also using less intrusive methods which do not damage sea bed or coral – these methods are spreading across fisheries in Alaska

Non-Governmental Organisations

The Inuit Circumpolar Council – represents local indigenous people, protest on behalf of locals:

• Campaign against Pebble Mine

• In 2014 – Greenpeace sent campaigners to Russia’s arctic circle to protest against oil exploration – Russian government arrested and imprisoned them.

Greenpeace – want a ‘Global Sanctuary’ to be established in Arctic:

• All resources off limits

• No oil drilling or industrial fishing

However this could limit indigenous peoples cultures and traditions, and own opportunities for economic development