Sustainable Use of the Arctic Tundra Biome

Question 1

What are the main threats to the ATB?

Answer 1

CC, Mineral Exploitation and Tourism

Question 2

What are the consequences of exploitation?

Answer 2

Environmental degradation, and a loss of unique flora and fauna

Question 3

What are the most significant changes to the ATB caused by?

Answer 3

Human CC altering the thermal equilibrium of permafrost

Question 4

What is Norilsk, Russia significant for

Answer 4

Norilsk Nickels is the worlds biggest mining and metallurgical complex - the largest Arctic city.

Question 5

What is the impact of Norilsk Nickel?

Answer 5

They contaminate the surrounding air, water and land with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and chlorine. All vegetation is dead within an 8km radius, and there is damaged and reduced growth up to 200km away.

Question 6

What is the cultural home of the Sami?

Answer 6

The Sampi region - the areas of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia that are contained in the Arctic.

Question 7

What is the indigenous conflict involving the Sami?

Answer 7

They herd and breed reindeer, so conflicts have arisen between the Sami and commercial businesses following attempts by landowners to ban reindeer herds to use their lands for grazing. This could lead to a loss of 1000s of years of culture and heritage.

Question 8

What is COP24?

Answer 8

An International Agreement from Poland in 2018, wherein participating countries agreed on implementation measures following the Paris Treaty.

Question 9

What is being done to preserve the Yukon North Slope?

Answer 9

The Wildlife Management Advisory Council works with the Canadian government and Alaska to conserve the wildlife, habitat and traditional use of the area. the Canadian government has given landmark status to Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuit town with over 1400 pingos.

Question 10

What is being done about Norilsk Nickel?

Answer 10

For decades they have ignored pressure from environmental groups, and absorbed the small financial penalties. New environmental legislation from 2023 will force the company to cut emissions by 75% of risk up to 100x the amount of financial penalties. It is anticipated that a decrease in emissions will correspond with revegetation and secondary succession.