The Debate: Drilling in the Arctic

The Debate: Drilling in the Arctic

There may be an economic benefit to opening the arctic wildlife refuge to oil drilling, but there are also many concerns. The drilling of oil would disrupt the wildlife such as birds, polar bears, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, whales and wolverines.

This writer repeatedly hears on the news that domestic crude oil production has declined and is projected to decline more. Can the United States afford the pricey foreign imports? Should it remain at the mercy of the Middle East? The United States must face the future. The citizens and government of the United States must realize that it will need to take advantage of its energy resources. Unfortunately, it must decide which is more important, the citizens or the wildlife.

20 million acres, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) includes the largest designated wilderness area (8 million acres) in the National Wildlife Refuge system (Alexander & Markey, 2005). Before a decision can be made, one must first understand the environment. Chapter 1 Environmental science is important in that it studies the impact of humans on the environment. It also studies the interaction of all things on the earth. From these studies, humans can make sound decisions based on knowledge that will protect the environment (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008). Statistical analysis, observation, experimenting, and probability are all important in making decisions that apply to environmental issues. The possibility of drilling for oil in the Arctic must under go scientific and ecological study before a decision can be made.

Chapter 1 Protecting nature is not a new concept. Dating back to the fourth century, even Plato was concerned with the welfare of the environment (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008) "Mostafa K. Tolba, former director of the United Nations Environment Programme said, 'The problems that overwhelm us today are precisely those we failed to solve decades ago' "(Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008. p. 13). There were many other early conservationists who knew that humans must begin to look at the earth and cherish it. Today, humans are finally beginning to see the importance of maintaining the health of resources and the environment. The problems of the environment are global. Many countries are now working together to try to solve some of today's problems as well as looking to the future to avoid making past mistakes again.

Chapter 3 The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has many different species. Adaptation has allowed these species to live in the Arctic region. Through natural selection the species that live there are thriving. The species there that have adapted to the cold may not survive if their habitat is disturbed. This critical factor determines where they live. Since they have adapted to this area, it is crucial that they remain there undisturbed. Opening the Arctic Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling could have profound negative effects on these species. Every species had a tolerance limit "beyond which a particular species cannot survive or is unable to reproduce" (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008. p. 50). The question remains would drilling for oil in this area impact the tolerance level of these inhabitants?

When a habitat is disturbed, the balance of nature is disturbed. The species of a specific area may encounter trouble finding homes and food. "In March 2005. the Senate approved, by a 51 to 49 vote to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska" (Alexander & Markey, 2005, p. 1, para. 2). This was initially approved

in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter. It stated that drilling could be done if approved by congress (Alexander & Markey, 2005).

An ongoing debate has taken place since. Senator Lamar Alexander is still fighting the opening of this refuge to drilling. He considers this land to be one of America's last national treasures. He refers to it as the crown jewel of our national wildlife refuges (Alexander & Markey, 2005). He, as well as others, thinks that before responsible oil drilling in Alaska can take place, the government needs to seriously look at our oil resources that are available there. He believes that responsible drilling would reduce the risk of destroying this valuable habitat (Alexander & Markey, 2005). Congressman Ed Markey states, "The government is trying to overcome bed geology with bad economics" (Alexander & Markey, 2005, p. 1 para. 1).

This region is one of America's finest examples of an intact, naturally functioning community of Arctic/sub-Arctic ecosystems (Reichhardt, 2003). The Refuge is a breeding ground and habitat for caribou, polar bears and other animals.

Chapter 5 The "arctic tundra is an expansive biome that has low productivity because of its short growing season" (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008. p. 102). Many birds migrate there every year. Its diversity is low. With an abundance of oil there, this biome could be upset and unbalanced with oil drilling. There may be a need for oil in this country, but is citizens could conserve more energy and look to other sources, this biome could remain untouched. The habitats there need so remain protected so that all viable populations can remain intact. Both the ecosystem and species there must continue to evolve.

Chapter 6 According to Cunningham and Cunningham (2008) the biggest debate concerning wildlife refuges centers around The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Oil drilling is serious enough to affect the wildlife. "Wilderness provides opportunities for solitude, self-propelled recreation, and enjoyment of undisturbed nature" (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008. p. 148). Conservation groups are fighting against oil drilling in this Arctic region. It has been a long battle and will probably continue. Conservation and economic development can work together, but steps must be takes to preserve protected lands and the inhabitants of those lands.

About one in four jobs in Alaska depend on a clean environment (Reynolds, 2001). These jobs are in the commercial and sport fishing, tourism and hunting sectors. Environmental health and toxicology are important issues. Environmental health extends from physical, mental, and social well being to disease and the absence of disease. It studies the factors that cause sickness. This includes factors such as nature, social, cultural, and technological influences. Let us think for a moment about drilling in the arctic region. Chapter 8 If there were to be an accident causing an oil spill, the results could be devastating. The wildlife would be affected.