how are cold environments exploited for short term gains? CASE STUDIES= GREENLAND AND SWISS ALPS Flashcards
1
Q
resource activity in Greenland
A
mining for iron ores
about 90 miles from capital Nuuk
disko bay=lead + zinc
2
Q
short tem gains of mining in Greenland
A
- jobs
- produces 15m tonnes a year
- helps Greenland wean itself off Denmark’s annual grant
3
Q
why is the mining in Greenland unsustainable?
A
- foreign workers take local jobs
- non renewable source
- could threaten pristine ecological system
4
Q
activity in Alps
A
tourism
skiing/winter sports
5
Q
short term gains in the Alps
A
- 100 million tourists a year
- 80% jobs depend on tourism
- brings investment and improvement of infrastructure
6
Q
why is tourism in the Alps unsustainable?
A
- trees chopped down=loss of habitats
- snow cannon use huge amounts of water
- chemicals used in snow increase temperatures= pollution for animals
