Question 1: What is 'permafrost' and how does it affect development in Cold Environments?

Answer: Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that hampers construction and infrastructure development due to its unstable nature.

Question 2: Define 'resource extraction' and give an example relevant to the Arctic.

Answer: Resource extraction is the process of retrieving natural resources; in the Arctic, this includes oil drilling and mineral mining.

Question 3: Explain 'sustainable development' in the context of Cold Environments.

Answer: Sustainable development involves economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and preserving ecosystems, such as using eco-friendly mining practices in the Arctic.

Question 4: What is 'climate change' and how is it impacting Cold Environments?

Answer: Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns, causing Arctic ice melt and affecting ecosystems and global sea levels.

Question 5: Name two economic activities prevalent in Cold Environments.

Answer: Oil and gas extraction, mineral mining, and tourism.

Question 1: Which region is most associated with oil extraction in Cold Environments?

Answer: The Arctic

Question 2: Name the treaty that aims to prevent military activity and mineral mining in Antarctica.

Answer: The Antarctic Treaty

Question 3: What are some environmental impacts of resource extraction in Cold Environments?

Answer: Habitat destruction, pollution, and disruption of ecosystems due to oil spills and mining activities.

Question 4: Identify one social challenge faced by indigenous communities in the Arctic.

Answer: Loss of traditional land and livelihood due to resource development.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the Arctic, describe two impacts of oil exploration on the environment and local communities.

Answer: Oil exploration has led to habitat destruction affecting wildlife like polar bears and seals, and has caused social disruption among indigenous communities due to land access conflicts.

Question 2: Identify one strategy used to minimize environmental damage from resource extraction in the Arctic.

Answer: Implementation of environmental regulations and use of eco-friendly drilling technologies.

Question 1: Explain why climate change is accelerating development challenges in Cold Environments.

Answer: Climate change causes ice melt and permafrost thaw, which destabilizes infrastructure, increases erosion, and exposes resources, intensifying development pressures.

Question 2: Analyse the reasons why international treaties are important for managing development in Antarctica.

Answer: Treaties prevent environmental degradation, protect scientific research, and promote peaceful cooperation among countries in a fragile environment.

Question 3: Describe how the physical geography of the Arctic influences its development potential.

Answer: The Arctic's vast ice cover, remote location, and unstable permafrost limit infrastructure but also create opportunities for resource extraction as ice melts.

Question 1: To what extent are current strategies effective in balancing economic development and environmental protection in Cold Environments?

Answer: Strategies such as environmental regulations, international treaties, and technological innovations aim to balance development and conservation. While they have mitigated some impacts, challenges like climate change and geopolitical tensions continue to threaten sustainable development. Overall, these strategies are progress but require ongoing adaptation and stricter enforcement to be fully effective.