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This Year May Mark a Turning Point for a Premier American Wildlife Refuge

The outcome of the election will decide the fate of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Will it remain wild?
On the north slope of the Brooks Range in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, pristine rivers run toward Prudhoe Bay. | Photo by Cassidy Randall

The Outcome of the Election Will Decide the Fate of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

On the cusp of Arctic autumn, we found ourselves alone at the Ivishak River’s headwaters, deep in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a vast 19.6 million-acre expanse from the Brooks Range to the ocean. Our eight-day journey was set to explore nearly a hundred miles of untouched wilderness, from dinosaur-old mountains to tundra, ending at the Dalton Highway, a transition from wilderness to oil infrastructure.

The refuge, a symbol in the fight against climate change, is under threat. Alaskan officials push for drilling for oil beneath its surface, citing economic benefits. In contrast, the Gwich’in people and environmental groups have long opposed development, valuing the land’s untouched state. The refuge remains unprotected, unlike its neighbor, the Gates of the Arctic National Park.

In 2017, the Trump administration mandated oil and gas lease sales in the refuge. Although the Biden administration canceled these leases in 2023, the 2017 mandate still requires another sale in December 2024. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has expressed opposition to fossil fuel leases on public lands, contrasting with Republican plans to revive drilling in the Arctic Refuge.

Our journey highlighted humanity’s smallness and the impact of fossil fuel extraction, with unseasonable heat and thunderstorms, a new phenomenon linked to climate change. These storms forced us to leave the tundra a day early, underscoring the fragile balance of this pristine environment.

As we navigated the Trans-Alaska Pipeline en route to the Dalton Highway, the juxtaposition of wild landscapes and industrial infrastructure was stark. The pipeline, once transporting over 2 million barrels daily, now carries under half a million. The Arctic is warming rapidly, with record temperatures and increased human activity threatening its future.

The upcoming election is crucial for the Arctic Refuge’s future, with millions of voters having a say in preserving one of the last great wildernesses. The decision will not only affect this land but also have broader environmental implications.

More stories about:

arctic,
saving wild places,
wildlife,
indigenous communities,
oil

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024