Fragility and Management of Cold Environments

Question 1

How can we manage cold environments

Answer 1

• The use of technology (trans-alaskan pipeline)
• Governments and International agreements (The antarctic treaty)
• Conservation groups (WWF)

Question 2

Why are Tundra environments so fragile

Answer 2

They are extremely delicate and take a very long time to establish. Because of this minor developments can have extremely long-term consequences

Question 3

What kinds of developments can lead to catastrophic damage within cold environments

Answer 3

• Oil spills
• Off roading
• Construction of roads to access mines (Svalbard)

Question 4

Why do cold environments need protecting

Answer 4

• Many indigenous people live there
• Home to a vast, diverse range of animals and plants
• Important for scientific research on climate change, etc
• Attracts tourism boosting economies
• Provides economic opportunities such as forestry and fishing