9 - The physical diversity of the UK

• Economic development in cold environments

  • Disastrous impacts for their ecosystems
  • Hunting, whaling and fur trapping have pushed some land and marine species close to extinction
  • Pollution from oil and mining industries has added further stress
  • Indigenous tribes struggle to maintain their traditions
  • Out-migration of the young in search of education and employment threatens the sustainability of some communities
• Some technological developments have helped make life easier and have encouraged the young to stay, particularly since the arrival of information and communications technology (ICT)
• Digital technology offers exciting new development opportunities which may limit environmental damage and cultural erosion
• Changes in Inuit lifestyle

  • Animal skins and hides were used as clothing, now modern materials such as polyester are used and people buy clothes online
  • Traditional Inuit games were played outside, now the younger generation often play computer games and watch TV
  • People travelled by walking, kayaking or using dogsleds, now the Inuit use modern transport
• How ICT can help Arctic wilderness communities to develop

  • Shared computer and internet facilities provided by governments
  • Wireless radio and satellite links provided for all the main populated areas
  • Two-way video conferencing transforming access to education and health services
  • Online degrees and courses offered by the University of Alaska
  • Alaska Native Knowledge Network collects and preserves Inuit culture
• Soon, even the most remote Alaskan and Canadian villages will have access to high-speed broadband networks as the Arctic ice thins, making it easier to lay fibre optic cable
• Why global technology companies are relocating to cold environments

  • Cold climate cools down the machinery
  • Low electricity costs from nearby hydroelectric power stations
  • Flat land suitable for building
• Facebook is not the only technology company in Luleå, the town is now home to 2,000 employees working for several large technology industries that have clustered there