Cold enviro 4

• Why do cold environments need protecting?

  -Laboratories for scientific research (e.g. climate change)

  -Opportunities for forestry (cutting trees)

  -Opportunities for fishing

  -Home to a rich variety of animals. birds and plants

  -Many indigenous people depend on wildlife and survive by hunting and fishing

  -Attracts tourists which benefits their economies
• When did the Exxon Valdez oil spill happen?

  March 24 1989
• Where did the Exxon Valdez oil spill happen

  The oil spill happened in the clear waters of Alaska's prince William sound and out into the gulf of Alaska. The oil tanker Exxon Valdez slammed into Bligh reef
• What was the cause of the Exxon Valdez oil spill

  The captain was drunk and left someone else in charge of the ship and there were no coastguards watching over the ship so it didn't follow its original route
• What were the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill

  -Beaches polluted

  - wasted oil

  - money was spent cleaning up the oil

  - Habitats destroyed

  - ecosystem permanently damaged

  -higher risk of fire

  -wildlife covered in oil
• What three method can reduce the risks to cold environments

  The use of technology, work of conservation groups and action by governments
• Example of technology being used to reduce the risk of cold environments

  In 1969 oil was discovered at Proudhoe bay. The winter sea ice in the Arctic Ocean prevented oil being transported by tanker so an alternative way needed to be found

  In 1974 Trans-Alaskan pipeline was opened so oil can now be transported from prudhoe bay to Valdez
• Problems with Trans- Alaskan pipeline

  - possible cracks caused by earthquakes can cause oil leaks

  - oil from the ground is hot which helps it flow but could melt permafrost

  - pipeline crosses rivers and mountains

  - large herds of animals migrate across the route of the pipeline
• Solutions to Trans-Alaskan Pipeline

  -supported and can slide if earthquakes happen.

  - flow of oil stops automatically if there is a leak

  - pipeline is raised and insulated to retain heat and prevent it melting the permafrost

  - pumping stations keep the oil moving. Pipeline passes beneath rivers to minimise the impact on the landscape

  - pipeline is raised to allow animals to migrate underneath
• What is the national environment policy act

  They ensure companies involved in with extraction and transportation of oil protect the natural environment and recognise the right of native people
• What is the national oceanic and atmospheric administration


  Oversees sustainable fisheries in Alaska and protects marine habitats
• What is ANWR?


  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

  Arctic wildlife in Alaska are protected

  Keep a small plot of land for conservation
• What is the Antarctic Treaty?

  Signed in 1959 by countries with territorial claims by Antarctica

  Main aim is to protect the natural environment

  The treaty: allows scientific research

  - controls disturbance and keeps disturbance minimal
• What does the world wide fund do

  A conservation group which helps protect arctic environments in canada
• Why should cold environments be protected as wilderness areas

  -rare plants and animals will be protected

  - untouched for outdoor labs for scientific research

  -wilderness areas are fragile
• Why should cold environments not be protected as wilderness areas

  -cold environments are rich in resources

  - 4million people already live in arctic( what's the harm in more )

  -technology allows cold environments to be exploited with less impact