The role of Science and Non renewable energy - PowerPoint Presentation Example

The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been among the world’s great wildlife areas. The area was considered as one of the worlds’ remaining wildlife and wilderness frontiers because of its variety in vegetation and topography. The area has proved to be significant ecological dependability as it provides critical habitats for many world species including but limited to porcupine, caribou and polar bears. Despite this, the area is found in the Alaskan land where oil and gas is available for exploration and other development activities.

This area has been the bone of contention since it also functions as the habitat for some of the world threatened wildlife species (Staudinger, 2002). As for the case of oil exploration in this area, scientist have stood their ground in opposing the commissioning of the oil and gas exploration project despite the forces from various divides such as political, economical and even social. In order to back their opposition for the oil and gas exploration, scientists argued that, cumulative biological penalties that comprises, blocking, deflecting or troubling wildlife, loss of subsistence hunting grounds, contamination of water and soil from oil spillage, alteration of the drainage system which results into changes in the vegetation cover, increased predation by fox, ravens and gulls on nesting bird because of the food availability from garbage introduced would be the results (Yankelovich, 2011).

Despite the fact that exploration takes place during the winter season when most of the common wildlife such as caribou and birds are absent, other species such as muskoxen and polar bears that remain in the area are likely to be affected. The active tundra plant life will also be impacted negatively. During exploration, large rivers are used for gravel removal and transportation corridors. This will lead into disturbances and displacements, exposure to predators and reduced calf production by the females and general survival of these animals.

A part from winter exploration, year round affects seasonal migrant bird species and wild animals that comes to nest and calve in this region respectively (Yankelovich, 2011). For a long time, controversy as regards the development of this area has been directed on the possible impacts on the biological resources. It is worth noting that in case development is commissioned, impacts on the physical environment and resources e.g. water, air and land would be realized. So far, the areas’ physical environment has been described as conducive since most of it is not occupied or affected by human activities.

This would mean that any development and oil or gas exploration activity in this area will result into emission of pollutants into the air. Industrial and domestic wastes resulting from exploration and development sites will need proper disposal. In case of improper disposal of these wastes, clarity on the individual or cumulative environmental effects of this alteration will be missing (Staudinger, 2002). On an ecological perspective, Yankelovich (2011), the area is said to be sensitive to the harsh climate on the Alaskan plains.

It is quite clear that the plain will be disrupted by any slight attempt to explore oil and gas in the region. The disruption