Alaska's 'National Petroleum Reserve' Ecosystem Could Collapse if Trump Opens 82% Of It For Oil Drilling

Since taking office, Donald Trump, the current US president, has been producing shockwaves across the world with his decisions. Recently, one of his plans has made environmentalists concerned, as it aims to expose nearly 82% of the largest tract of public land for oil and gas development, according to The Conversation. The large expanse, or "public land," is called the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The expanse is a treasure house of fossil fuels, but at the same time, it serves as a crucial location for several species. If it is exploited as the administration's plan proposes, the entire ecosystem can go for a toss. 

Importance of National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Numerous caribou feed and breed in the NPR-A. This fact is vital for conservationists, as caribou populations have experienced a decline across the globe. For three out of the four caribou herds on Alaska's North Slope, the reserve's open Tundra forests act as a habitat. They perform multiple functions, like giving birth, searching for food, and migrating in these regions. If roads and further infrastructure were to be built in the forests, it would disrupt the lifestyle of these herds, causing them unprecedented damage. The waterbodies in the reserve are also frequented by migratory birds and fish. 

The reserve is situated at the northern end of five major flyways, and hence, welcomes birds from around the world. Experts have detected the arrival of birds from 50 states of the USA in the region. Also, over 4.5 million Arctic Coastal Plain shorebirds, from various species, nest in the reserve. Amongst the wide variety of birds, one of the most noteworthy is the yellow-billed loon, the largest loon species in the world. Oil and gas development in the area would introduce noise, disturbing the birds and also reducing and polluting their living spaces.

Along with caribou, fish, and birds, several other creatures belonging to Arctic Wildlife, like polar bears, will undergo a lot of damage if the plan comes to fruition. Indigenous communities of the Arctic, like the Iñupiat people, also depend on this reserve for sustenance. Their livelihood depends on the hunting and fishing they get to do in these forests. Furthermore, their identity and spirituality are deeply intertwined with the place. Attacking the place is also a strike against their legacy.

Trump Administration's Plan

In 2024, then-President Joe Biden banned drilling in the 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, according to The Guardian. President Trump's plan effectively cancels this order. Since his first day in the office, he has expressed support for the fossil fuel industry, promising to do everything to complete his campaign message of "drill, baby, drill." The NPR-A was created in the 20th century as an emergency fuel reserve for the military. The area underwent commercialization in 1976 by an act of Congress. Lawmakers directed authorities to prioritize conservation and wildlife protection. Trump wants to open up 19 million acres of this reserve for fossil fuel drilling.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) report, federal lands in Alaska contain 29.4 billion barrels of oil and 391.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, as reported by Alaska Beacon. "American Energy Dominance is more important than ever, and this report underscores the critical role science plays in informing our energy future," Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Department of the Interior, said in a statement. "Thanks to the USGS's rigorous and independent assessment, we're better equipped to manage America's vast public lands responsibly while supporting energy security and economic opportunity." 

Environmental Consequences of this Plan

If everything goes according to plan, then the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the surrounding Arctic ecosystem will be severely affected. Both of these facets contribute a lot towards regulating the climate. Vast amounts of carbon are locked in the forests of these areas. Continuous drilling and further infrastructure could release carbon into the atmosphere, and enhance global warming, which is already at critical levels. One of the last wild ecosystems in the world is at a crossroads; whichever pathway to the future it undertakes will also, in a way, decide the fate of the planet.