Y9 Geography - Cold Environments

Why are cold environments fragile

Vegetation grows slowly;damage lasts decades, permafrost melting can cause greenhouse gases, specialised animals

Examples of fragility

Off road vehicle damage in Alaska killing tundra, oil spills in Siberia killing très + fire hazard m

Economic development threats

Oil extraction, mining, roads/pipelines, tourism

Oil extraction

Vegetation may never recover, permafrost melts

Roads and pipelines

Melt permafrost, increase erosion

Mining

Releases greenhouse gases, damages soils

Tourism

Waste and pollution, disrupts wildlife

Why protect cold environments

biodiversity value, indigenous value, tourism value, climate value

Biodiversity value

Very unique species such as polar bears and arctic foxes rely on fragile ecosystem

Indigenous value

Inuit rely on hunting/fishing for traditional lifestyles

Climate value

Carbon absorption and albedo effect → reduces global warming

Management strategies

Technology, Government, International do-operation, Conservation

Technology example

Trans Alaskan pipeline 1974 - very hot oil → raised + insulated to retain heat and prevent permafrost melting. Possible cracks → supported pipeline can slide if earthquake happens. Oil flow stops if ther is a leak. Large herds of animals migrate → raised pipeline to allow migration underneath

Technology disadvantage

Deep stilts + ispnsulation = financially costly

Governments

US Government involved in Alaska protection → national environmental policy act, ensures companies involved with oil extraction protect the natural environment and indigenous rights. Western arctic reserve ensures oil drilling is away from sensitive areas. NOAA oversees sustainable fisheries + protects marine habitats

Gov disadvantage

Western arctic reserve maps constantly redrawn by gov administrators, difficult to fully enforce

International agreements

Antarctic treaty allows science research only, bans military activity, bans bans mining and resource extraction, controls tourism

International agreements disadvantage

Although legally binding, difficult to enforce

Conservation groups

WWF works with local groups to protect critical environment like Beaufort sea, works with oil and Inuit companies for a more sustainable future

Conservation groups disadvantage

Relies on donations → economically unstable