Why should we drill for oil in the Arctic?

Drilling will also increase oil revenues for the state of Alaska , which is a huge benefit. And drilling oil in ANWR could possibly lower gas prices at the pump. Americans pay a lot of money for gas and for that price to be lowered, even by a little bit, it would be very beneficial.

Should we be drilling for oil in the Arctic offshore?

There’s no climate-safe future that involves drilling in the Arctic Ocean. It’s the only way to prevent a devastating spill and end our dependence on fossil fuels.

Why should we drill for oil?

Environmental Benefits Oil drilling reduces the pressure of oil reservoirs underground, which greatly reduces the amount of hydrocarbon seepage – and the amount of methane gas in the atmosphere. Scientists theorize that increased drilling operations could continue to benefit aquatic and atmospheric conditions.

How does oil drilling in Alaska affect the environment?

Oil development would bring roads, airstrips, heavy machinery, noise and pollution. This would damage the refuge’s fragile tundra ecosystem and disrupt age-old migration and denning patterns for caribou, polar bears and other animals.

How does oil drilling affect the environment?

Exploring and drilling for oil may disturb land and marine ecosystems. Seismic techniques used to explore for oil under the ocean floor may harm fish and marine mammals. Drilling an oil well on land often requires clearing an area of vegetation.

How does oil drilling affect the ocean?

Oil spills are harmful to marine birds and mammals as well as fish and shellfish. When exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment.

How does oil drilling affect wildlife?

Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements. Many birds and animals also ingest oil when they try to clean themselves, which can poison them.

How does oil drilling affect the tundra?

The oil, gas, and mining industries can disrupt fragile tundra habitats. Drilling wells can thaw permafrost, while heavy vehicles and pipeline construction can damage soil and prevent vegetation from returning. This activity also increases the risk of toxic spills.

How does oil drilling affect climate change?

Drilling projects operate around the clock generating pollution, fueling climate change, disrupting wildlife and damaging public lands that were set aside to benefit all people. For many years the federal government prioritized the development of fossil fuels over habitat conservation and recreation.

Is drilling for oil good for the environment?

Drilling for oil, both on land and at sea, is disruptive to the environment and can destroy natural habitats. Additionally, pipes to gather oil, roads and stations, and other accessory structures necessary for extracting oil compromise even larger portions of habitats.

Why is oil drilling in the Arctic becoming more popular?

This means the industry has developed certain technologies which help it to avert accidents. It also means that there are places in the Arctic that are safer to drill than others. Oil exploration in the north is driven by the demands of the market.

Is an Arctic oil spill inevitable?

Today’s resounding (and scary) scientific consensus is that an oil spill in the Arctic is inevitable if drilling progresses. If this is so, shouldn’t we support research into safer practices? Or should we simply be pulling out of the region altogether.

What are the pros and cons of oil drilling?

Oil drilling also brought benefits like running water and better medical care, Ahtuangaruak says, but the influx of patients convinced her the negatives outweighed the positives. And on top of that, oil booms have a long association with social problems like crime, she notes.

What is WWF doing to help the Arctic?

WWF works to prevent and reduce the negative impact of oil, gas and mining on the Arctic environment by pushing companies to strengthen environmental responsibility and by improving the regulatory framework. Reducing the oil spill risk WWF has mapped the enormous potential reach of an oil spill in the Barents Sea. A quieter ocean for Arctic whales