Extensive hydrocarbon deposits have already been discovered in the Arctic, and estimates for undiscovered petroleum resources are immense, especially for the offshore region. Oil and gas development in the Arctic is not new, with production in parts of Russia and Alaska starting in the 1960s. To date, most Arctic activity has been onshore, but current exploration is focused on the potential for large-scale development. It is somewhat ironic that fossil fuel emissions, which have already impacted the vulnerable Arctic region in terms of climate change, may also ultimately allow for easier access for offshore oil exploration and production in due to a reduction in sea ice and expansion of shipping opportunities.
Given what you have learned about the impacts of climate change on the Arctic, what is your view of large-scale oil and gas development in the region? Do you support it? What are the main reasons that convince you to take this position?
To address this question effectively, you should first browse the Council on Foreign Relation’s “The Emerging Arctic” website to get a better understanding of some of the issues in the region: https://www.cfr.org/publication/interactive/32620#!/32620.
You will also need to do a brief online search to deepen your understanding of the issues involved. A few resource suggestions are included in the box below.
You may find it helpful to focus on a particular area in your response. Examples of areas you may want to consider include the Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, or offshore oil and gas development in the Beaufort Sea or in Russia.
Note
• Henderson, J. & Low, J. S. P. (2014, Nov. 4). The prospects and challenges for arctic oil development. Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (WPN 54). Retrieved from http://www.oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/WPM-56.pdf
• The Economist. (2012, June 16). The melting north. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/21556798
• Hassol, S. J. (2004). Key finding 10: Multiple influences interact to cause impacts to people and ecosystems. Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.amap.no/documents/doc/impacts-of-a-warming-arctic-2004/786
“Key Finding 10: Multiple Influences Interact to Cause Impacts to People and Ecosystems” of the ACIA report may be useful in providing additional contextual information on changes and stresses in the Arctic region. It also contains some information, although minimal, on natural resource development, including oil and gas, for the various sub-regions.