svalbard Flashcards
where is Svalbard
norweigen territory located 1000km north of Norway
what are the opportunities and challenges in Svalbard about coal mining
opportunities - high quality coal reserves expected to last until 2030
coal, marble, asbestos
employment for 1/3 off Svalbard
challenges - cold working conditions , ling hours of winer darkness , remoteness of the mines , harsh on the environment
opportunities and challenges for fishing in Svalbard
opportunities - richest fishing grounds in the world , estimated 150 species of fish.
challenges- storms and ice make fishing difficult and hazardous
risk of fish population
tourism opportunities and challenges
opportunities - adventure tourism is becoming more popular . in the winter tourist visa the northern lights
300 locals benefit from employment in the tourist sector
70,000 people visited in 2013
challenges - limited area as its high cost to construct roads
frost action damages roads
climate change challenges
postive feedback loops- more sea exposed so more light absorbed so more ice melts .
glaciers are retreating
permafrost is beginning to melt
3 ways people have adapted to live in Svalbard
resilience
mitigation
adaptation
why do they need to be resilience
long hours of darkness , extremely low temperatures, strong winds, heavy snowfall
research in remote areas
mitigation in svalbard
wearing appropriate footwear and clothing
layering and protection against strong winds
gloves and head gear
well insulated houses against the cold
adaptation in Svalbard
long term health needs requires flying to Norway
elderly people with special health requirements can’t be catered for so have to live in Norway
artificial light sources
characteristics
5 major islands
2700 people live on Svalbard
60% of land surface is covered by glaciers
what are Svalbards tourist attractions
5 major islands
60% covered by ice caps
wildlife - fish, plankton, whales,seals
arctic fox
over 100 bird species
northern lights
cruise ships
winter sports
why is Svalbard at risk from tourism
litter dropping
pollution from cruise ships
c02- soot and ash are released this affects fish and marine life
oil leaks
tourists can disturb wildlife and ecosystems
what measures have been taken to protect Svalbard from tourism
controls and restrictions
65% of land is protected by the law
since 2010 tour companies have been banned from sites
what is the AECO
association of arctic expedition cruise operators
a guid for visitors
why is tourism beneficial for Svalbard
employment in hotels, museums , retail
environmental fee- £15 per person
