Question 1: Permafrost

Answer: A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, impacting construction and ecosystems.

Question 2: Sustainable Development

Answer: Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 3: Resource Extraction

Answer: The process of retrieving natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals from the environment for economic use.

Question 4: Environmental Impact

Answer: The effect that human activities and natural processes have on the environment, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.

Question 5: Indigenous Communities

Answer: Original inhabitants of Cold Environments who often face challenges balancing traditional lifestyles with development pressures.

Question 1: Which region is known as the largest cold desert characterized by permafrost and minimal vegetation?

Answer: Antarctica

Question 2: Name one economic activity that is commonly carried out in the Arctic region.

Answer: Oil and gas extraction

Question 3: What is the primary environmental concern associated with resource extraction in Cold Environments?

Answer: Environmental degradation, pollution, and disturbance of fragile ecosystems.

Question 4: Explain why permafrost melting is a concern for global climate change.

Answer: Melting permafrost releases stored greenhouse gases like methane, which contribute to global warming and destabilizes landscape stability.

Question 5: Identify a specific indigenous group living in the Arctic and mention one challenge they face due to development.

Answer: Inuit; challenges include loss of traditional hunting grounds and environmental changes affecting their way of life.

Question 1: Based on the Arctic case study, describe two environmental impacts caused by oil drilling activities.

Answer: Oil spills contaminating marine ecosystems and disturbances to local wildlife such as polar bears and seals.

Question 2: Identify two strategies used to mitigate environmental damage from resource extraction in the Arctic.

Answer: Implementing strict environmental regulations and using advanced technology to reduce spills and habitat disruption.

Question 3: Discuss the economic benefits and environmental costs of developing oil resources in the Arctic.

Answer: Economic benefits include job creation, energy security, and increased GDP. Environmental costs involve habitat destruction, pollution, and long-term climate impacts due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 4: Evaluate whether the economic gains from Arctic resource development justify the environmental risks involved.

Answer: While economic gains such as increased employment and energy resources are significant, the environmental risks including climate change acceleration, habitat loss, and pollution often outweigh these benefits. Sustainable approaches and stricter regulations are necessary to balance development with conservation.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of permafrost degradation in the Arctic.

Answer: Global warming leading to rising temperatures causes permafrost to melt, releasing greenhouse gases and destabilizing the ground, which further accelerates climate change.

Question 2: Explain how climate change influences the pattern of resource exploitation in Cold Environments.

Answer: Rising temperatures make previously inaccessible resources available, encouraging exploitation, but also increase environmental risks and threaten ecosystems.

Question 3: Discuss why the melting of ice sheets in Greenland is a concern for global sea levels.

Answer: Melting ice sheets add large volumes of water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise, which threatens coastal communities worldwide.

Question 1: To what extent are current development strategies in the Arctic sustainable? Evaluate considering economic, environmental, and social factors.

Answer: Current strategies aim to balance economic benefits with environmental protection through regulations and technological innovations. However, conflicts between development and conservation persist, and climate change poses ongoing threats. Overall, while progress has been made, further efforts are required to ensure truly sustainable development that respects ecological limits and indigenous rights.