The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is under threat, you can take action to protect it
The 19.6 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are full of life and history. The land is home to polar bears, caribou, and migrating birds from all 50 states. It supports indigenous cultures and has global ecological importance. This public land needs our protection.
THE THREAT
The Arctic Refuge is at risk of energy development. This process could threaten local wildlife, indigenous cultures, and the global climate.
Although 95% of the North Coast of Alaska is already open to drilling, the last 5% is now at risk of being developed for oil and gas exploration. This wild land is traditional Native ground and home to important wildlife like polar bears and caribou. Oil and gas exploration would put these cultures and species at unnecessary risk.
Wildlife
In the far north of Alaska is a place untouched by development. It is a remote land filled with life and movement.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of species of plants, birds, mammals, and fish. This wild landscape bursts with color and sound throughout the year. While the rivers and ice fields of the Arctic Refuge may be remote, they have a direct connection to every American through the travels of migratory birds and caribou.
Indigenous Peoples
In the Gwich’in creation story, Gwich’in and caribou began as one. After separating into two beings, they remained relatives and made an agreement to protect and provide for each other.
The Gwich’in and Iñupiat peoples of the Arctic have lived in the remote region of the Arctic Refuge for countless generations. They protect and celebrate the land, wildlife, and history of this landscape. They are important members of global society, and speak out for the protection of the land.
Environmental Importance
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest protected areas in the world. The constantly changing landscape supports a diverse cycle of life.
The Arctic Refuge is covered in ice and snow for much of the year, but when the snow melts in the spring life explodes. The long summer days allow plants to grow quickly, supporting a complex food chain. Changing climates are breaking this cycle, and energy exploration could damage it further.
History
Indigenous cultures have existed on this landscape for thousands of years. In the last 60 years, both Democratic and Republican Presidents have taken steps to protect its wildlife, wilderness, and history.
Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been a bipartisan effort throughout its history. However, the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge remains unprotected. Recent political events have opened this region up to the threat of oil and gas development.
our last great
wilderness
