CASE STUDY-oil industry in Alaska

Question 1

challenges for economic development

Answer 1

• must ensure exploitation of regions natural resources doesn’t damage environment
• fragile ecosystem
• e.g. lichen grows at rate of 1-2mm a year, takes 40 years to recover from grazing by passing heard of caribou
• small oil spills may persist in environment for 30 years

Question 2

despite precautions, what effect has oil industry had on the ecosystem and environment in north slope of Alaska?

Answer 2

• trans Alaskan pipeline (TAPS) has disrupted migration patterns of caribou
• oil spillages have degraded habitats e.g. feb 2006 in the west
• gravel extraction from river beds has had a damaging effect on fish populations and aquatic environments

Question 3

environmental challenges/issues created by oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge?

Answer 3

• home to 45 mammal species, 135 species of migratory birds and fish
• intense productivity in short arctic summers
• many species arrive or awake from dormancy to take advantage of richness and leave or become dormant during rest of year

Question 4

why will oil exploration create conflict with indigenous populations?

Answer 4

North, Kaktovic home to Inuit Inupiaq tribe which rely on marine ecosystems and hunting whales and seals
South, native indian Guich’in based in arctic village depend on caribou heard

Question 5

further opportunities/benefits create for government

Answer 5

• creates security of energy supplies, less dependence on other countries e.g. middle east
• cut imports of oil and gas
• increase job opportunities