How do oil spills affect the Arctic?
Polar bears Expansion of oil and gas drilling in their habitat could be extremely damaging. Direct contact with spilled oil would kill polar bears but an invisible threat could persist for years, as toxic substances lingering in ice or water may impact the entire food web of the Arctic ecosystem for years to come.
Are there oil spills in the Arctic?
Oil spills are a major concern in the Arctic. Besides the major environmental and social impact on vulnerable human communities and animal species, the harsh conditions in the region can make oil spill response extremely difficult.
How would offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic impact wildlife?
The production of Arctic oil and gas contributes even more to the climate crisis through increased greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore oil exploration, drilling and production can threaten the fish and marine mammals that Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic rely on.
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 spills affect climate change?
Burning oil releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of our planet. In 2013, petroleum accounted for 41 percent of the U.S.’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.
Why is oil drilling in the Arctic good?
Oil drilling in any capacity always provides an economic boost, but Arctic Sea drilling conveys certain unique and specific benefits. By developing offshore drilling in the Arctic Sea, oil companies can enrich the surrounding areas, bolster the nation’s oil reserves and even lead to scientific developments.
What is oil drilling in the Arctic?
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 work in the Arctic?
A wellbore is drilled through the seabed, first for exploratory purposes and then to serve as the drilling site for extraction. Once the wellbore is installed and the temporary equipment used for installation is removed, a “christmas tree,” the most visible part of an active well, is installed.
How do oil spills affect coral reefs?
Once oil comes into contact with corals, it can kill them or impede their reproduction, growth, behavior, and development. The entire reef ecosystem can suffer from an oil spill, affecting the many species of fish, crabs, and other marine invertebrates that live in and around coral reefs.
Where do oil spills happen the most?
The Report identifies these “hot spots” for oil spills from vessels: Gulf of Mexico (267 spills) Northeastern U.S. (140 spills) Mediterranean Sea (127 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.
Where is oil drilling happening?
Nearly all offshore oil and natural gas leasing and development activity currently occurs in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, where thousands of platforms operate in waters up to 6,000 feet deep. A few platforms operate in depths of 10,000 feet or more.