How Nations Are Looking to The Arctic for Natural Gas

As global energy demand increases, nations are increasingly looking for the most

prudent possible development of natural resources. While we are currently

enjoying the benefits of natural gas, the United States and other nations should

embrace the idea of tapping into the natural gas and oil located in pristine spaces.

As America’s economy and high standard of living depend on our ability to access

abundant and affordable energy, the United States, in particular, should consider

extracting the natural resources available near Alaska in the Arctic.

Why the Arctic's Abundance of Natural Resources is Important

In research carried out by the National Petroleum Council, it was found that the

Arctic region holds roughly a quarter of the world's natural gas. The study further

reveals that the Arctic has 10% of the world';s oil. The abundance of natural

resources in the Arctic can reverse projected declines in domestic production

through posterity. Nonetheless, if the United States fails to research the Arctic, the

nation will almost certainly lose its benefits in terms of energy security.

An Eye on Tomorrow's Energy

We may not be able to anticipate the direction of future advances in technology

entirely. Still, a time will come when Arctic power will need to be produced for

years afterward.

The question is, how soon will this manifest? Well, it all depends on our elected

officials plan against future posterity. If policies and decisions are short-sighted,

they will have an adverse effect in years and decades to come.

Arctic Offshore Leasing

The current presidential administrations have the potential to end offshore leasing

in the Arctic at any time. However, the US energy security will be jeopardized by

any administration that makes such a decision. Besides, the cancellation of offshore

leasing in the Arctic is detrimental to the entire Alaska economy.

Even the indigenous communities that are reliant on gas and oil production in

Alaska will suffer if the extraction of natural resources stops. If Arctic offshore

leasing comes to an end, such communities will not disappear, but they will no

longer be able to continue their traditional way of life. For instance, Alaska's

mayor is on record as stating the state's Iñupiat group's way of life will be in

jeopardy if the ecological conservation is not balanced with adequate resources

development to guarantee a sustainable future.

The Voices of the Debate

Nearly two dozen Alaskan businesses, labor, consumers, and indigenous groups

have formed a coalition to strengthen the importance of allowing Arctic offshore

drilling. The coalition has launched a beltway education campaign.

Nearly two dozen Alaskan businesses, labor, consumers, and native groups have

created an alliance to reinforce the importance of allowing Arctic offshore drilling.

The coalition has initiated a beltway education campaign. Former defense experts

and military personnel are also participating in the Arctic drilling controversy.

Some have written pieces for Washington Post to argue that continued investment

in the industry with a permanent presence in the Arctic of Alaska is vital to the

security of the country.

Accessing the Arctic's Energy Resources is Easier and Safer Than Many Assume

For more than a century, energy companies in the Arctic and elsewhere have been

safely developing natural gas, oil, and other resources. Energy companies today

have almost perfected the techniques for natural resource extraction. As long as the

drilling, fracking, and other extraction methods are carried out safely and

responsibly by the companies, this shouldn't be a problem for the people of the

Arctic. New technology development, combined with high operating standards and

a commitment to environmental protection, will benefit both energy companies and

the public.

Therefore, let's not close the door to the energy options of the United States. All

possible energy sources must be kept open-minded. This means that the

exploration of natural gas, oil, and other resources of the Arctic, which we need as

a species, should not be overruled.