Transcript Should We Drill in ANWR?

Should We Drill in ANWR?
What is ANWR?
What is ANWR?
► Stands
for: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
► Primary purpose of ANWR
► Oil drilling in ANWR was never intended
 Points of contention and debate
Drilling in ANWR – Effect on Land
•Combustion of Hydrocarbons produces CO2
•Carbon = acidifying agent
•Soil acidification → leaching of nutrients
→ Lower
productivity of soil
Drilling in ANWR – Effect on Land
► Oil
Spills
► Effect: Petroleum forms a thin layer of wall
around crop seed – prevents oxidation
► Leads to death of the seed
Drilling in ANWR – Effect on Land &
Wildlife
► Vegetation
concentrated in coastal plain
► Construction of roads
► Wildlife forced to migrate
► Worrying effects on species’ survival
Drilling in ANWR – Effect on Wildlife
► Effects
various species from Elk to Sea Ducks
► People mostly aware of harmful effects on Land
mammals
► but also harmful effects on Marine life
Proponents’ arguments for drilling
► Reduces
► Energy
price of oil
independence
Are We Running Out of Oil?
Will Drilling Help?
Conclusion
► Cost-Benefit Analysis
► Cost:
 Ecosystem
 Wildlife
► Benefit:
 Possibility of energy independence (Uncertain)
 Possibility of reduction in oil price (Uncertain)