Let's Help Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge!

As it is the first day of the new year, we should all work on protecting the environment in any way possible, from something as small as taking shorter showers to something on a more global scale like signing petitions to protect various wildlife refuges. Today, I write about an issue which many of you have probably heard about, but I thought it was important to give more insight on, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

What is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

It is the largest national wildlife refuge in the United States, encompassing 19.6 million acres in the northeast corner of Alaska. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is home to around 200 species of birds and provides a great environment for them to feed, nest, and raise their young after they migrate there. Additionally, many animals including polar bears, arctic foxes, and moose rely on its diverse habitat. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the only conservation unit in the United States that consists of an entire Arctic ecosystem.

What is the Trump Administration planning on doing?

A few years ago, the Interior Department was allowed to sell oil and gas leases in the refuge as stated in the Tax Act of 2017. Recently, the Trump Administration finalized its plan to sell drilling rights for oil and gas on the coastal plain that covers around 1.6 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

How can you help protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

It is so important to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a few reasons. One of which is that this location is home to a wide variety of animals and it is a very diverse region. Furthermore, drilling for oil and gas would lead to the release of large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, creating extreme weather and an increase in other effects of climate change. Finally, this threatens indigenous people who live close to the area. Therefore, I included a link to an organization that drafts an email for you that will be sent to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Just click “Take Action” and fill out your information.

https://www.protectthearctic.org/take-action-to-protect-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge

This is such an important issue, so thank you so much for filling out the link above!!

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