cold environments

• The polar regions are very cold with little rain/snowfall and only moss/lichen plants
• The tundra regions are slightly warmer than polar regions, with a short summer, some rainfall, and permafrost soil
• Animals found in polar/tundra regions

  • Polar bears
  • Penguins
  • Arctic foxes
  • Arctic hares
• Plant adaptations to cold environments

  • Very low growing
  • Thick bark
  • Small leaves
  • Hairy stems
  • Deep roots
  • Fast growing
• Animal adaptations to cold environments

  • White fur
  • Thick fat layers
  • Large hooves/adapted feet
  • Hibernation
• Economy of the case study islands

  • Coal extraction
  • Energy production, including geothermal
  • Fishing
  • Tourism
• Challenges of the case study islands

  • Very cold temperatures
  • Limited light
  • Remote location requiring snowmobiles
  • Frozen pipes
• Alaska's economy


  • Energy extraction, including hydroelectric and geothermal
  • Sustainable fishing
  • Tourism
• Challenges of living in Alaska

  • Low population density outside cities
  • Permafrost issues causing building/road damage
  • Adapted building designs
• Environmental challenges in Alaska

  • Fragile wilderness environment
  • Slow vegetation growth
  • Damage from modern developments like off-road vehicles, oil spills, habitat loss
• Measures to protect fragile environments include the Trans-Atlantic Pipeline, Antarctic Treaty, and conservation groups