Species
Alaska has been experiencing change that have been affecting wildlife, marine life and human health.Though expanding it seemed like a good and easy living, humans are now noticing the changes in species. One particular concern are the Incasive species. Invasive species are species that are non-native to that particular ecosystem that are being brought into the native species ecosystem. The problem with Invasive species end up changing the new ecosystem they are introduced to causing other species to have problems. As world trade increases, so do the Invasive species. Alaska has had gorwing concerns with non-native fish like Alantic Salmon, Wireweed, and other species like Purple Laver. Particular growth in these non-native species worry Alaska's native species as these Invasive species take over. The problems Alaska will have to concentrate on is keeping their native species like the Alantic Codgrass, European Green Crab and Quagga Mussels alive.
Oil. Good or Bad?
Oil has been the #1 American addiction since the first car was invented. America survives and feeds itself off of oil so it is only natural that America would eventually linger its eyes on Alaska and the oil reserves that sit there quietly and unused. However, there is much controversary. Alaska has dealt with oils spills before and the Alaskan natives aren't excited to start drilling for oil again. The US consumes 20 million barrels a day. A DAY. Only 5% of Alaska is labeled off limits to drilling. Therefore, America see's the other 95% up for grabs. Although oil drilling can help Americans with their oil obsession, the oil plants aren't environmentally friendly. Waves crashing upon the oil drilling reseve send seismic noises that can consfuse traveling whales and result in beaching. Besides the fact, the nearby species living near these oil resevees can experience stress that can lead to harsh pregancies, discline in population, sickness, and death. Even a sinple mistake as an oil spill would be catastrophic. Just one spill can devastate the environment. Since the last oil spill, over 20 years ago, species affected greatly by this devastation are just now re-colonizing. So why are we trying to tango with this dance again?
Global Warming
Alaska is known for its unique terrain, beautful oceans, and extrodinary species. However, studies have shown that due to a slight increase in warmth, Alaska may be in trouble in the furture. The Artic Tundra, Wetlands, Permafrost, and everything we consider Alaska is at risk as Global Warming increases its rule over Alaska. Within the last part of the 20th Century, our century of industrial growth, large bodies of water that once were full and lusious in part of Alaska have decreased anywhere from 30-50%. In the last 22 years, the Boreal Forest that once thrived comfortably in the interior vast reaches of this once brilliant forest, have declined. Rising temperatures are putting this forest at risk of extiniction. And although glaciers have a mass abundency over Alaska, over the years researches have found that in some parts of Alaska the ice is retreating over 50%. Animals that are native to these large polar caps have faced the impact. They live on smaller habitats, struggle to survive off less fishing, and have resulted themselves in drownings and confusion. And the impacts of global warming don't stop there. Because of warmer weather, permafrost has increased its cold degree by 2%, and communites once living on the edge of the wild have faced the fact that they must relocate as shorelines retreat in large amounts.
When temperatures rise in these Artic Waters, the animals of the sea are the first to show the stress signs. It isn't only Alaska's environment that has a problem, it is also a concern to scientists the health of humans. Oysters have been infected with Vibrion Parahaemolytcus, a cholera-like disease that causes gastroenteritis, and Beavers, expanding their homes and lands, have brought Giardia. Most of this problem with Global Warming has been due to human error in brining industry to a breaking point in the natural balance of the world.
When temperatures rise in these Artic Waters, the animals of the sea are the first to show the stress signs. It isn't only Alaska's environment that has a problem, it is also a concern to scientists the health of humans. Oysters have been infected with Vibrion Parahaemolytcus, a cholera-like disease that causes gastroenteritis, and Beavers, expanding their homes and lands, have brought Giardia. Most of this problem with Global Warming has been due to human error in brining industry to a breaking point in the natural balance of the world.
Another theory to Global Warming (extra info)
Alasks is home to vast lands of icefields and the beautiful home of glaciers. Roughly, 13 million years ago, Alaska was 9 degrees cooler allowing icefields to plummet over Alaska all the way to the South Alaskan Islands. Since then, the icefields in Alaska cover about five percent and glaciers have dropped. Although they are abundant in southeast Alaska, there are concerns. Although many cling to the theory that Global Warming in the main concern for melting glaciers, which plays a part, there has been new findings that help cope with this idea. As the earth turns, literally, depending on the tilt of the Earth, the glacial structure depends on the amounts of seasonal sunlight certain areas may retain. This intensely alters ocean currents that ultimately influence the Alaskan climate as well as the shapes and motivations of icefields and glaciers.