The Consequences of the Economic Development of Polar and...

The Consequences of the Economic Development of Polar and Sub-Polar Regions Although indigenous populations established themselves centuries ago, polar and sub-polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica have only fairly recently begun to develop. Originally classified as remote regions in the world, where the only activities, which took place, were small-scale fishing and hunting by locals in order to survive, they have become sources of great economic development and prosperity. Due to their proximity to many highly populated countries, Arctic regions have perhaps experienced greater economic development than Antarctic regions. The route of this economic development began during the 17th†¦show more content†¦In 1968, the great quantities of oil and gas discovered beneath Alaska’s North Slope, overlooking Prudhoe Bay, subsequently led to the construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline to Valdez in 1974. This increased communication links and trade links and therefore brought in vast amounts of money for the economy and until 1990, oil and natural gas still provided 85% of Alaska’s gross state product. As personal wealth and length of leisure time are increasing, people are beginning to seek out new, more exotic locations. For example, tourism in Alaska has become a vital industry, attracting almost 1.1 million people per year. Visitors not only come to view the landscape features, such as its coasts, glaciers and mountains, but also to see its huge variety of wild life (ranging from Brown bears to sea-lions) and for fishing (especially salmon). Such levels of tourism have increased economic development as tourists themselves bring money into the state as well as foreign currency. Tourism is constantly increasing and being developed as the government want to diversify employment opportunities in order to increase the rate of economic growth. Antarctica has similar reasons for economic development, however, on a much smaller scale due to its uninhabitable climate and landscape. The tourism industry isShow MoreRelatedAlaska Oil Drilling1301 Words   |  6 Pagesprioritize profits over social problems such as environmental degradation. An example that sheds light on the conflict between human interests and environmental responsibility is the controversial approval of the oil drilling in the Northern Slope region of Alaska and the drilling that has already began, in the Tar Sands of Alberta. In this paper I will firstly explain the situation regarding why the drilling for oil is up for debate to take place. Secondly I will assess the benefits and the irreparableRead MoreThe Effects of Global Warming4458 Words   |  18 Pagescomplex and the timing uncertain. But while much more research is needed, we know more than before about how we can adapt to the expected impacts and assist those people who are the most vulnerabl e. 2. 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