The discussion on if we should or should not drill in Alaska has been a large controversial issue for some time now. There are a variety of Environmental Reasons not to Drill in Alaska. Alaska not only has a wide amount of protected wildlife it also has one of the biggest oil fields in the U.S. In the late 70's the controversy has arisen to an almost frighten high between the citizens and political groups.
The price of fuel going up has only increased the issues even more, now more of the U.S. is paying attention. The U.S. is vigorously looking for more locations and ways to get oil, and while Alaska is apart of the U.S. the protected wildlife posses a serious problem. Most are concerned and actively oppose drilling in Alaska, and have very real reason for it.
The largest concern of native Alaskans is that the drilling will spread from land to the waters and it will stop the Whales from Migrating. Native Alaskans depend on the Bowhead whales as part of their culture, diet, and life; the Native Alaskans are not the only ones who would suffer if the Environment was disrupted due to drilling. The Canadian Porcupine Caribou herd would be affected as well; their migrating system could be changed drastically because of drilling.
This affects the United States since we signed an agreement with Canada in 1987m which specifically outlined the protection and conservation of the herd and its routes. There are also other creatures that would be affected by drilling in Alaska, such as the Polar Bears, Fish, Birds and other wildlife. Scientist are under the belief the natural order of the entire region would be interrupted and could lead to devastating effects if drilling is allowed in Alaska.
You also have to consider the effect of the cultural societies as well, since drilling will most likely interrupt there natural way of life, and the native population would see an adverse reaction.
There is also the religious belief of locals that many of Alaska is sacred ground. This means that not only the wildlife and culture would be interrupted but their actual religious beliefs as well.
Scientist are also concerned that the technologies with drilling oil would have adverse reactions to the climate and tundra itself. You have to also take in the fact that although no drilling is taking place in Alaska that global warming is already causing massive changes. The other places of industry are melting glaciers and raising temperatures not too mention causing pollution buildup in Alaska even now. The concern is f drilling was allowed it would speed up the current destruction even farther.
Another real concern is that drilling in Alaska would also slow down further development of alternative energy. Most believe that we need to be in labs finding new and safer forms of fuel instead of trying to drill in Alaska. The amount of oil in Alaska is not even known and would cause more damage than the drilling would be worth. So instead of causing more problems we need to spend our time finding a better way to produce fuel.
Environmental Reasons not to Drill in Alaska