Should mankind explore for minerals in the Arctic and Antarctic regions?
Now lets go back to the big question-Should mankind explore for minerals in the Arctic and Antarctic regions? We have mines, we have many all over the world, so why are we pushing forward into the fragile Arctic ecosystem and destroying what is already endangered. We have no need to do this as there is after all a lot more than a decade worth of minerals elsewhere. Not only this but minerals we are attempting to reach at the poles are not renewable and by the time that we do eventually run out elsewhere, there is likely to be other energy sources such as solar power. Should we really go on this quest of
mining and destruction, to make money? No!
Some will say that we mine for the use of the qualities that minerals possess, yet this is only partially true. Mining is largely a money-making process for both the company and the government. Yes it will improve the economy of surrounding countries, as workers will be needed, but is this worth it? By tearing apart the ground we are revealing soil, which absorbs heat and melts even more ice and snow. We are also still emitting gases into the atmosphere contributing further to global warming and heating of the Arctic. Both these factors and more, no matter how small, shall destroy the Arctic and us with it. What will money be worth to anyone if the earth no longer has the right climate to support life? If the Arctic heats up the World will too. If the Arctic falls the world will too!
For the future we need a better solution in order to prevent mining at the poles and insure that no conflict will break out in the race for resources. In order to do this we must find out other ways to create energy in large amounts and thus regulating the demand for other non-renewable resources such as coal. By simply using alternative sources such as solar power you will be taking one of the small steps to the solution of mining. Much more will have to be done though. We need to wish for governments to make an Arctic Treaty regulating mining and perhaps even banning it altogether.
The Arctic is linked directly to the world's climate and now global warming is heating up the Arctic faster than any other continent. Yet mining projects are advancing forward and ripping apart the land. We must stop mining in the Arctic before it is too late!
The Antarctic luckily isn't at threat, at least till 2049, due to the Antarctic Treaty which bans mining altogether, along with other activities which may lead to conflict. It is a place of peace, science and serenity.
mining and destruction, to make money? No!
Some will say that we mine for the use of the qualities that minerals possess, yet this is only partially true. Mining is largely a money-making process for both the company and the government. Yes it will improve the economy of surrounding countries, as workers will be needed, but is this worth it? By tearing apart the ground we are revealing soil, which absorbs heat and melts even more ice and snow. We are also still emitting gases into the atmosphere contributing further to global warming and heating of the Arctic. Both these factors and more, no matter how small, shall destroy the Arctic and us with it. What will money be worth to anyone if the earth no longer has the right climate to support life? If the Arctic heats up the World will too. If the Arctic falls the world will too!
For the future we need a better solution in order to prevent mining at the poles and insure that no conflict will break out in the race for resources. In order to do this we must find out other ways to create energy in large amounts and thus regulating the demand for other non-renewable resources such as coal. By simply using alternative sources such as solar power you will be taking one of the small steps to the solution of mining. Much more will have to be done though. We need to wish for governments to make an Arctic Treaty regulating mining and perhaps even banning it altogether.
The Arctic is linked directly to the world's climate and now global warming is heating up the Arctic faster than any other continent. Yet mining projects are advancing forward and ripping apart the land. We must stop mining in the Arctic before it is too late!
The Antarctic luckily isn't at threat, at least till 2049, due to the Antarctic Treaty which bans mining altogether, along with other activities which may lead to conflict. It is a place of peace, science and serenity.