In recent years increasing pressure to develop the petroleum fields on the northern coast of Alaska has resulted in the recent decision to allow drilling for the “Willow Project” led by the ConocoPhillips corporation. The Willow Project is an 8 billion dollar drilling operation that aims to extract 600 million barrels of oil from federal land. This plan has raised serious concerns from many climate activists over the potential emissions from drilling and extracting crude oil on such a large scale. The project has been a topic of heated debate in recent months, with proponents touting its potential economic benefits for Alaska and opponents raising concerns about its environmental impact. As someone worried about the future of our planet and the continual impact of human activity, I believe it is essential to examine the full range of consequences associated with the Willow project and the effects it will have on the environment. 

The region in question, the northern Alaskan coast and interior territory, is home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as polar bears, bowhead whales, ringed seals, beluga whales, and many more. New drilling operations for oil in their habitat could have devastating consequences for many of these vulnerable populations and further their decline. However, drilling operations are only one side of the coin when it comes to oil extraction. Transporting 600 million barrels of oil to shore and beyond also raises environmental concerns. Not only will these barrels all contribute to rising Co2 levels, but they will also pollute the Alaskan coast and ports they travel to all across the globe. Even without a catastrophic spill, oil and petroleum operations release harmful pollutants into the ocean, further endangering marine life and ecosystems. Preliminary estimates have put the potential emissions for the drilling sites alone in the range of 239 million metric tons of Co2. 

Many may wonder why this development has been given the green light, especially during a Biden administration focused on tackling climate change. The issue lies in the fact that permits are still being sold to drill on federal land, although much less than in previous years. The Willow project is part of an initiative that ConocoPhillips started over two decades ago by acquiring the rights to drill in this area from the US government. Although congress and opponents of this project have hindered the progress of this development, they are now facing a binding contract that could cause a lawsuit against the government that could cost the US taxpayers as much as 5 billion dollars in damages. This lawsuit would be justified as a legal breach of contract from the government and, if supported by a judge, would require the US government to pay ConocoPhillips for its investment in the land and future profits, which would be very costly. It seems that legally our hands as citizens are tied in this matter, and we cannot do much to stop this project from happening. 

The biggest problem is that the Willow project represents a significant investment in fossil fuels at a time when we urgently need to transition to renewable energy sources. Climate change is a global crisis that requires immediate action and continuing to prioritize the development of oil and gas reserves only serves to perpetuate our dependence on fossil fuels. Instead, we must focus on investing in sustainable energy solutions that will protect our planet for future generations. As renewable energy sources become more affordable and accessible, the demand for oil and gas will decrease, potentially leaving communities that rely on these industries in a difficult position. However, investing in sustainable energy solutions now will create more jobs and ensure long-term economic stability. The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and widespread ecosystem destruction. The continued development of fossil fuel reserves only serves to exacerbate these effects and further irreparable harm to our planet. Both our government and citizens need to prioritize and adopt renewable sources instead of fossil fuels and take developments like the willow project head-on and fight for the environment. Although a legal issue, our government should prioritize the health and sustainability of its citizens and the global community by taking action against the willow project and similar ongoing developments. It is our responsibility to take action and prioritize the transition to sustainable energy sources, even if it requires difficult decisions and sacrifices in the short term. The price of putting a stop to this project is quite steep but hails in comparison to the amount of money spent on other government projects and overseas diplomacy efforts. The Biden administration has found compromises with ConocoPhillips on drilling development, reducing its size and impact, but should instead fight to cease operations that will increase the global damage of greenhouse gas emissions that are a clear threat to sustainability in the future.

Moreover, the Willow Project in Alaska is just one example of the larger issue of extractive industries exploiting vulnerable ecosystems and communities for economic gain. The global community must come together to address the issue of fossil fuel use and support the transition to sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental, social, and communal sustainability. The Willow project represents a further and dangerous step in the wrong direction. Instead of committing to years of future fossil fuel use, we should subsidize clean alternatives that do not endanger ecosystems and future generations. It is time to take a stand and prioritize the health of our planet and its inhabitants over short-term economic gains.