Human impacts (Polar Regions)

• Glaciers and ice sheets are melting due to climate change
• How has oil and gas exploration affected the arctic?

  1. The Arctic holds large amounts of oil and gas.
  2. Large amounts have been mined since 1962.
  3. Oil spills like Exxon Valdez in 1989 badly damage the environment.
• How has Whaling affected the polar regions?

  1. Hunting of whales used to be done on a small scale by indigenous groups only a couple times a year.
  2. It is now on an industrial scale, putting whales in danger of extinction.
  3. Many countries have banned whaling but some still continue and some people do it illegally.
• How has fishing affected the polar regions?

  1. Used to be done on a small scale by indigenous groups but is now done on an industrial scale.
  2. Has put many ecosystems under great stress.
  3. By-catch is massive.
  4. Polar regions are difficult to police because of the harsh conditions.
• How has tourism affected the polar regions?

  1. Tourism is steadily growing in polar regions (for example: cruising).
  2. Tourism further increases emissions of greenhouse gases.
  3. Wildlife may become disturbed by nearby tourism industries.