Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Context: Briefly introduce the Arctic oil discovery and its significance.
- Thesis Statement: State that the discovery has both economic benefits and environmental risks.
Body
1. Positive Economic Implications
- Increased Oil Supply
- Fact: The Arctic is estimated to hold about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil (U.S. Geological Survey, 2015). This could stabilize or lower global oil prices.
- Economic Growth
- Fact: Oil extraction could create thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the economies of Arctic nations like Canada, Russia, and Norway (Government of Canada, 2020).
- Diversification of Energy Sources
- Fact: Access to Arctic oil could reduce dependence on oil from politically unstable regions, enhancing energy security for countries involved.
2. Negative Environmental Implications
- Environmental Risks
- Fact: Oil extraction poses risks of spills and pollution, with potential devastating effects on marine life and the fragile ecosystem (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021).
- Climate Change
- Fact: Exploiting fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, countering global efforts to limit climate change (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021).
- Geopolitical Tensions
- Fact: The race for Arctic resources may exacerbate geopolitical conflicts among Arctic nations, complicating international relations (Council on Foreign Relations, 2022).
Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the economic benefits and environmental consequences.
- Call for Responsibility: Emphasize the need for sustainable practices to balance economic gains with environmental protection.
Relevant Facts for Use
- Oil Reserves:
- “The Arctic could hold about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil.” (U.S. Geological Survey, 2015)
- Economic Impact:
- “Oil extraction projects could generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the Canadian economy.” (Government of Canada, 2020)
- Environmental Risks:
- “Oil extraction poses significant risks of spills and pollution, threatening marine life.” (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021)
- Climate Change:
- “Exploiting fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.” (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021)
- Geopolitical Tensions:
- “Access to Arctic oil reserves could heighten geopolitical tensions among Arctic nations.” (Council on Foreign Relations, 2022)
This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while incorporating relevant facts to support your claims.
Economic Significance:
Possible Environmental Consequences:
In summary, while the discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea holds significant economic potential through energy resources, growth, and geopolitical leverage, it also poses serious environmental risks including climate change impacts, oil spills, and ecosystem disruption.
Model Answer
Introduction
The discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea presents both significant economic opportunities and serious environmental concerns. While the Arctic holds vast reserves—estimated at about 84% offshore—it is essential to weigh the potential economic benefits against the environmental risks associated with oil extraction in this fragile ecosystem.
Positive Implications
Increased Oil Supply
The Arctic region is believed to contain substantial oil reserves. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Arctic could hold about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil, which could significantly boost global oil supply and potentially stabilize or reduce oil prices (USGS, 2015).
Economic Growth
Countries bordering the Arctic, like Russia, Canada, and Norway, stand to benefit economically from the development of oil infrastructure. This development is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economies. For instance, the Canadian government estimates that oil extraction projects could generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the national economy (Government of Canada, 2020).
Diversification of Energy Sources
Access to Arctic oil may also lead to a diversification of energy sources, lessening dependency on oil imports from politically unstable regions. This diversification enhances energy security for many countries, making their energy supply more resilient.
Negative Implications
Environmental Risks
The extraction process poses severe environmental threats, including risks of oil spills and pollution. The Arctic ecosystem is particularly vulnerable; any spill could have devastating and long-lasting effects on marine life and wildlife (Environmental Protection Agency, 2021).
Climate Change
The extraction of fossil fuels from the Arctic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. As global temperatures rise, continuing to exploit these reserves may contradict efforts to curb emissions and achieve sustainability (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021).
Geopolitical Tensions
The race for Arctic resources may heighten geopolitical tensions among Arctic nations. Disputes over territorial claims and resources could lead to conflicts, complicating international relations in the region (Council on Foreign Relations, 2022).
Conclusion
While the discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea holds significant economic promise, it is crucial to approach extraction responsibly to mitigate environmental damage. Sustainable practices must be prioritized to ensure that economic gains do not come at the expense of the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem.