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Safeguarding Alaska's Arctic Wilderness
Oil and gas development, mining and the harmful effects of global warming threaten to scar this precious landscape.


Oil and gas drilling, coal mining and invasive development are combining with global warming's effects to wreak havoc on Alaska's vast, remote Arctic landscape. NRDC is working with Alaskan Native communities to protect this wilderness area and the whales, bears and other diverse wildlife that depend on it.

The Beaufort and Chukchi Seas: Protecting America's Arctic
June 2007 Fact Sheet
Aggressive government interest in leasing Alaskan land to the oil and gas industries for exploration and development threatens the sustainability of this ecosystem and the livelihood of Alaska Native communities.

The Western Arctic: Protecting America's Arctic
July 2007 Fact Sheet
From the hilly tundra and wild rivers of the southern Western Arctic, to the wetlands, ponds and clear deep waters of Teshekpuk Lake in the north, NRDC is working to protect Alaska's special wilderness area, home to caribou, polar bears, beluga whales and shorebirds.

Related NRDC Pages
Arctic Refuge 101: Fact Sheets

last revised 7.31.07

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