Unit 6b Notes Flashcards
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
What are the three threats to the Arctic?
Climate change, tourism in the Arctic, mineral extraction.
How much could temperatures increase by in the Arctic, by 2090?
More than 10 degrees.
How is Arctic sea ice declining?
40% of the sea ice area present in the 1970’s was lost by 2010. Ice free conditions existed in 2008 in the NE and the NW for the first time.
How much sea ice will be gone by 2100 on current rates?
75%.
What are the direct threats posed by climate change?
Arctic sea ice shrinking at an increasing rate, treeline is moving north.
How will the shrinking of Arctic sea ice affect the Arctic?
The land which polar bears usually use is gone, as they hunt from ice. It’s harder to hunt when sea ice is fragmented. They have to use more energy.
How will the moving of the treeline north affect the Arctic?
Less permafrost. Dominated by pine forest trees, means that primary consumers have less traditional food sources. Predators may struggle to find enough food.
What is happening to the depth of the Active layer?
It’s increasing.
Why does melting permafrost lead to a loss of lakes and wetlands?
Water can’t percolate into soil when it’s frozen.
What are the positive impacts of climate change in the region?
Shrinking sea ice could open up new shipping routes, new natural resources can be exploited, undiscovered oil and gas reserves, more opportunity for agriculture and agroforestry.
What are the negative impacts of climate change in the region?
Collapsed infrastructure, changes in global weather patterns, conflict over resources, more C02 and methane released, sensitive ecosystems.
What has increased fog led to in the region?
Disruption of flights and other transport.
What is happening to the Inuit culture as a result of changes in the region?
Knowledge of the culture is now outdated, and not relevant. Increased reliance on modern communication means loss of tradition.
What has warming led to in terms of grass?
It covers lichen which is food for caribou, and they no longer visit some areas.
What are the Geopolitical impacts of changes in the Arctic?
More competition for resources in the Arctic, invasive species. Outmigration of young people.
What are the social impacts of climate change in the Arctic?
Reliance on external supply of resources, enforced changing diet leading to new lifestyles, instability of homes, inuits have to travel further to find good fishing grounds.
What is ANWR?
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
How much land does ANWR comprise of?
19 million acres of the North Alaskan coast.
How is ANWR protected?
By congress under the Alaska national interest lands conservation act of 1980.
When were the first leases issued for drilling of ANWR?
January 19,2021.
When were these leases revoked?
January 20,2021.
What are the advantages of drilling in the ANWR?
Prevents an energy crisis from happening in the future, impacts the environment less than it used to, employs people in the oil industry. Energy security.
What % of Alaskans support exploration?
75%.
What are the disadvantages of drilling in ANWR?
Potential for oil spills, disappearance of lakes and wildlife, destroying native culture, spills won’t be properly cleaned, wouldn’t reduce global oil prices.
What % of people are in favour across the US as a whole?
40%.
Do oil and gas companies support or oppose Arctic drilling?
Support.
Do indigenous people support or oppose Arctic drilling?
Some support - economic opportunity. Some are against - destruction of habitat.
Do environmental lobbyists support or oppose Arctic drilling?
Oppose.
Do the US and Canadian governments support or oppose Arctic drilling?
GOP - For. Democrats - Against.
Where do conflicts exist between stakeholders in the Arctic?
Oil and gas companies, indigenous people, environmental lobbyists, government. Indigenous people, government. Environmental lobbyists, government.
How effective are the strategies used to manage ANWR?
Not very effective, as they don’t have a lasting impact, they’re party political.
How secure are the orders given by the Biden administration?
Not very secure, as they can be repealed at any time by future administrations or congress.
Where is Svalbard?
Norway.
When did tourism start increasing in Svalbard?
1990’s - People wanted to visit exotic locations within the Arctic circle.
How many people visit Svalbard directly, and through cruise ships?
30,000 directly, 30,000 from cruise ships.
What did the Governor of Svalbard create?
A campaign called ‘Clean up Svalbard,’ to prevent litter being washed up on the Svalbard shore.
What did this campaign do?
Led to most cruise operators encouraging their passengers to pick up litter they find on the shore.
What have the Svalbard authorities introduced?
An environmental fee for all visitors. It was £15 per person in 2014, and had £1.5 Million to allocate.
What threats does tourism pose to the Arctic?
Erosion of tundra, litter, pollution, disturbance.
How is Erosion of tundra caused through tourism?
Tourists walk on the tundra, which compacts the vegetation and soil, meaning the surface is dragged, and soil and vegetation is pushed downhill.
How do tourists cause litter?
They drop it after eating, which can lead to it being eaten by animals.
How does tourism cause pollution?
Cruise ships are a source of pollution in an area, as their energy requirements are high, releasing C02, soot, and ash.
How does tourism cause disturbance?
Boats which carry tourists have noisy engines, which disrupt peace of the Arctic wilderness.
How many people have been killed by bears in Svalbard since 1970?
Five.
How many bears have been shot since 1970?
120.
What are the direct threats which tourists pose to Svalbard?
Litter, Erosion of tundra, Disturbance.
What are the indirect threats which tourists pose to Svalbard?
Pollution, Climate change.
Which threat is the most severe to Svalbard?
Erosion of tundra, as the ecosystem is forecast to disappear within 50 years.
How much has the cruise industry grown over the past decade in the Arctic?
60%.
What are the positive consequences of tourism for the Nunavut communities?
Creates employment opportunities, left more than $100,000 in the community.
What are the disadvantages of tourism for local communities?
Less Narwhals going to these areas now, tourists buy all stock in grocery stores. Inuit used to survive by themselves, and have to rely more on food from outside.
What % of land in Svalbard is protected?
65%.
What is AECO?
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators.
What are the commitments of the AECO expedition cruises?
Sustainability, ban on heavy fuel oil, mutual benefits for operators and destinations, against illegal trade of animals.
What type of cruise is the AECO cruise?
An educational expedition cruise.
What are some of the guidelines which guests have to follow in AECO?
No lasting signs of visit, no picking flowers, no disturbing animals and birds, leave cultural remains alone, respect local culture.
How effective are the management measures which are now in place?
Not very effective, as people could still break off from the group, and leave remains behind. However, it does educate people.
How sustainable is tourism in Svalbard?
65% of land is protected, tour companies have been banned from visiting certain sites, as they’re too fragile. Limiting local economy, as there aren’t good outcomes for locals.
What could be done to increase sustainability of tourism in Svalbard?
Resolution to protect wildlife, landing prohibited, speed limit. Recommended distance of 300-500 metres. Protected areas are prohibited.
How do Indigenous populations feel about tourism?
They’re not very happy with tourism, as ships disturb wildlife which usually come to the communities. They also experience higher prices, due to higher demand.
How do environmentalists feel about tourism?
They don’t support tourism within the Arctic, as they say it’s disruptive. They’re more likely to support free roaming of animals.
How do tourists feel about tourism?
They support tourism, as they’re less likely to care about local or environmental impacts. They pay a lot of money, but don’t care about where it goes.
How do local business owners feel about tourism?
They’re more likely to support tourism - they can charge higher prices, all their stock sells out.
How do local government officials feel about tourism?
May support tourism due to some economic benefits, but some may not. Environmental concerns, and risk of losing support from local people may sway their decision.
How do fishermen feel about tourism?
Some may support - more demand for fish from tourists. Some won’t support - Cruise ships will disrupt routes and patterns of the fish.
Why is there a conflict between tourists and environmentalists?
Tourists want tourism to be large, unregulated, and see as much as possible. Environmentalists may support tourism, but with restrictions.
Why is there a conflict between local business owners and local government officials?
Local business owners are more likely to support tourism due to higher prices. Local government may have to regulate due to public unhappiness. Some business owners may support.
Why is there a conflict between fishermen and indigenous populations?
Some fishermen support the tourism due to increased demand, but indigenous populations are less likely to support it due to disruption to hunting patterns.
Why is there a conflict between local business owners and indigenous populations?
Some local business owners would support it, due to the potential for higher prices, due to increased demand. Local people will have to pay more for products due to tourism, so may not support it.
