Environment impacts of looking for more energy-Arctic Oil

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

This place is estimated to contain up to 25% of the world’s undiscovered oil and natural gas. Issue regarding who can lay
claim to which parts of the ocean – Russia has claimed nearly
half of the Arctic but other interested parties e.g. USA,
Norway failed to uphold their claim.

Question 2

Problems

Answer 2

Oil companies have already destroyed large parts of
Alaska and Siberia so should be kept out of the Arctic

• New oil rush in the Arctic is only possible because of
  the increased shrinking of the polar ice cap due to global warming

-The Arctic is a pristine environment containing over 45 species of land and marine animals

-Issue over who has the right to claim ownership of the natural resources – countries who have
been conflicting over this have now agreed to sign the UN Law of the Sea Convection stating
the 8 Arctic states are allowing to exploit offshore resources within 200 nautical miles of
their territory

Question 3

Benefits

Answer 3

At around $70 per barrel it makes drilling in the Arctic viable. (2007 prices reached $100).

-Contains up to 25% of the world’s undiscovered oil and natural gas

Question 4

Players involved

Answer 4

Arctic States – USA, Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland

2. UN – will decide the control of the Arctic by 2020
3. Local people
4. Environmental Pressure groups