Protecting Cold Environments

• Why are cold environments, such as western Antarctica and the Arctic, fragile?

  The low temperatures severely limit vegetation growth. Any development will destroy the natural environment.
• What is permafrost?

  Permafrost is permanently frozen ground, consisting of soil, rock, or sediment, that remains at or below 32°F/0°C for at least two consecutive years.

  It is found in Arctic regions e.g. Greenland and Alaska.
• What effect could climate change have on cold environments?

  Climate change could create longer, warmer summers in the Arctic, leading to the permafrost melting.

  It could potentially further increasing biodiversity as conditions become less extreme.
• What does melting permafrost release into the atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide.

  This enhances the greenhouse effect further and increases the rate of climate change.
• What may cause pollution and upset the Arctic's fragile balance?

  Increased exploitation of Arctic regions by humans seeking oil or other resources.
• Give two examples of things that could upset the balance of cold environments.

  Oil pollution.

  Off-road vehicles.
• What impact does oil pollution have on cold environments?

  • Electricity pylons will have resulted in tree clearance and environmental damage.
  • Oil may leak from broken pipelines.
  • River edge habitats are polluted and destroyed - the vegetation may never recover.
  • Trees are killed by oil spills.
  • There is a risk of fire (either started deliberately or by a lightning strike).
  • Rivers may become polluted and lifeless.
• When are off-road vehicles used more?

  Off-road vehicles are becoming more popular in Alaska for hunting/travelling to a remote area to walk or fish.

  It mostly takes place in summer when the snow has melted and it is warmer - temperatures have melted the upper surface of the soil, making it soggy.
• What impact do off-road vehicles have on cold environments?

  A single vehicle leaves deep tyre tracks through the swampy tundra (which has started to melt in the warmer temperatures).

  Other vehicles skirt this area, widening the damaged area.

  It will take many years or even decades for the land to recover from damage which only took a few minutes to cause.