The Biden administration's approval of a scaled-down oil lease sale in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) marks a significant setback in the global fight against climate change and the transition away from fossil fuels. Despite the reduced footprint of the lease sale compared to previous proposals, the decision perpetuates the potential for fossil fuel extraction in one of the most pristine and ecologically sensitive areas on Earth. Here’s why this decision is deeply troubling:
https://apnews.com/article/alaska-arctic-wildlife-refuge-lease-sale-0b00383f8d6ba5d6af1e55af75ef765b
1. Undermining Climate Commitments
President Biden campaigned on promises to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This lease sale contradicts those commitments, sending mixed signals about the administration's stance on environmental protection. Opening the door to drilling in ANWR not only perpetuates carbon emissions but also undermines global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C—a goal critical for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
2. Threat to Unique Ecosystems
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds. Even with safeguards in place, oil exploration and extraction risk irreversible damage to these habitats. Noise, pollution, and potential oil spills could devastate ecosystems that have remained largely untouched for millennia.
3. Disregard for Indigenous Rights
The coastal plain of ANWR is sacred to the Gwich’in people, who rely on the caribou herds that calve there for their cultural and physical survival. Approving lease sales without adequately addressing their concerns is a direct affront to Indigenous sovereignty and well-being. While some Iñupiat leaders support drilling, the broader implications for the Gwich’in and global climate demand caution and restraint.
4. Economic Myopia
Proponents argue that drilling in ANWR would boost local economies and enhance energy independence. However, these short-term gains pale compared to the long-term economic and environmental costs of climate change. Investing in renewable energy and sustainable development offers a more resilient and forward-thinking path for Alaska and the nation as a whole.
5. Missed Opportunity for Leadership
The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, making it a harbinger of climate-related impacts. By greenlighting this lease sale, the administration misses a crucial opportunity to lead by example, showing the world that preserving fragile ecosystems and transitioning to clean energy are non-negotiable priorities.
Conclusion
The decision to approve an oil lease sale in ANWR is a step backward in the fight against climate change. It compromises the integrity of one of the last great wildernesses, threatens Indigenous communities' rights, and sends the wrong message about America’s commitment to a sustainable future. Litigation and public opposition will likely delay any drilling, but the mere act of approving these leases tarnishes the administration's environmental legacy. It’s time to pivot decisively toward renewable energy and uphold the moral responsibility to protect our planet for future generations.
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14 w
This is wrong.we need to move towards green energy and not encourage more use of fossil fuels as they do pollute the environment.
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14 w
@jane_wangui i know... This is a direction to the wrong direction this is such a bad way of ending his presidency
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15 w
It's indeed disappointing. He was doing great. This decision will hinder progress toward sustainable practices and climate goals, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that will consider both energy demands and environmental protection.
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14 w
@walter_lungayi he is misguided and it is very disappointing... We expected better from him
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15 w
Not okay! You have less than one month in power why would you focus on this instead of doing something good
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14 w
@sarah_chabane_874 I Know... He just had to destroy his legacy during his last month ... It is very disappointing...
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15 w
Dear Edwin wangombe Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Joe Biden by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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15 w
It is a complex decision, balancing economic needs & environmental concerns.
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14 w
@gorffly_mokua but we should prioritize the environment as with a healthy livable environment it is easy to achieve economic prosperity
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15 w
He is misguided.
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14 w
@tabitha_kimani exactly... This is not a good way of exiting presidency
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15 w
There he goes Mr Biden ! The leaving Resident everyone loved so much for his commitment to the Climate Change !!
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14 w
@johan_ayiter_767 it is disappointing... He had such a good run...
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14 w
@edwin_wangombe what’s a “good run” for an US president my friend they all failed as all the other presidents of this world, in many ways, therefore each president should serve his/her country on the best interest of all citizens but should never copy or envy an other president’s ways.