Human Impacts on Cold Environments Flashcards
What is environmental fragility?
The sensitivity and resilience of an ecosystem.
Which two factors have an effect on environmental fragility?
- Natural factors
- Anthropogenic factors
Why are some environments classified as fragile?
They are easily damaged and difficult to restore.
How long does it take tundra to return to its original state following a disruption?
50 years.
Which three reasons have led to cold environments being classified as fragile?
- Slow plant growth
- Lack of biodiversity
- Thawing permafrost
What traditional human activities have been carried out in cold environments?
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Fur trapping
- Caribou herding
What modern human activities have been carried out in cold environments?
- Mineral extraction
- Commercial fishing
- Oil and gas exploration
- Tourism
What are the challenges to human activity in cold environments?
- Harsh climate
- Skills and labour shortages
- Remoteness / inaccessibility
- Lack of permanent jobs
What are the recent impacts of climate change on cold environments?
- Accelerated sea level rise
- Loss of sea ice
- Shifting animal ranges
- Longer, drier summers
What are the predicted impacts of climate change on cold environments?
- Species invasion in tundra environments
- Increased permafrost thawing
- Decrease in extent of sea ice
- More melting of ice and snow
What are the opportunities caused by climate change in cold environments?
- Exposure of new mineral deposits
- New agricultural opportunities
What is ground subsidence in cold environments?
The sinking of soil due to the melting of permafrost, causing infrastructure damage.
What are the two main management strategies for Antarctica?
- The Antarctic Treaty (1959)
- CCAMLR (1980)
What does CCAMLR stand for?
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
How does the Antarctic Treaty protect Antarctica?
- Bans military and nuclear activity
- Protects scientific research
- Establishes designations (e.g. ASPAs)
How does CCAMLR protect Antarctica?
- Establishes designations (e.g. MPAs, ASMAs, ASPAs)
- Protects biodiversity
- Protects endangered species
What is an example of oil and gas exploration in a cold environment?
Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Prudhoe Bay, USA.
What are the advantages of the TAP?
- Boom town growth (e.g. Fairbanks)
- Boosted the Alaskan economy
- Reduced tax rates
What are the disadvantages of the TAP?
- House prices rose
- Overstretched infrastructure
- Oil spills (e.g. BP, 2006)
When is the TAP set to be removed?
2075 (by Alaskan law).
What is an example of a community living in a fragile cold environment?
Vuntut Gwitchin, Yukon, Canada.
What are the challenges of climate change for the Vuntut Gwitchin?
- Porcupine Caribou Herd altered migration path causes food insecurity and loss of traditional lifestyle
- Draining of Lake Zelma impacts fishing opportunities
- Melting permafrost causes infrastructure damage
What are the opportunities of climate change for the Vuntut Gwitchin?
- More plant growth
- More agricultural opportunities
- Possible infrastructure development
