Overview

Oil exploration and extraction can have significant impacts on the environment at every stage of development. These impacts affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods and health of Arctic communities. The Arctic’s fragile environment and slow recovery rates make it particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

Exploration and Seismic Surveys

During the exploration phase, companies use seismic surveys to locate oil and gas reserves. These involve sending sound waves into the seabed to map subsurface structures.

While effective, these surveys can affect marine life. The noise may interfere with the navigation and communication systems of marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, which rely on sound. In some cases, this disruption can lead to disorientation or changes in migration and feeding behaviour.

Infrastructure and Habitat Disturbance

Oil development requires extensive infrastructure, including roads, pipelines, drilling sites, and ports. In Arctic regions, these installations can fragment habitats and disturb wildlife.

Species such as reindeer, caribou, and polar bears may be affected by changes to migration routes, breeding grounds, and access to food sources. Vegetation damage and soil erosion can also occur, particularly in tundra environments where recovery is slow.

Oil Spills and Environmental Risk

Oil spills remain one of the most serious environmental risks associated with petroleum development. In cold Arctic conditions, oil breaks down more slowly, making cleanup efforts difficult and long-lasting.

Major incidents such as the Exxon Valdez spill (Alaska, 1989) and the Usinsk spill (Russia, 1994) demonstrate the scale of potential damage. These events resulted in widespread contamination of coastlines and river systems, with long-term impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.

Oil exposure can harm animals by:

• damaging fur and feathers, reducing insulation
• causing poisoning and long-term health effects
• disrupting food chains and ecosystems

Recovery from oil spills can take years or even decades, depending on the environment and species affected.

Wastewater and Chemical Pollution

Oil production generates produced water, a wastewater by-product that often contains hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other pollutants.

Compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be toxic to marine life, even at low concentrations. These substances may affect growth, reproduction, and development in aquatic organisms, and can accumulate in the food chain.

Drilling Waste and Radioactive Materials

Drilling activities also produce waste materials such as drilling muds and sludge, which may contain technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM).

Improper handling or disposal, such as in tailings ponds or land treatment sites, can pose risks to wildlife and human health. In some cases, exposure to associated gases (such as radon) may increase long-term health risks.

Environmental Protection Today

Today, oil and gas operations are subject to stricter environmental regulations and monitoring, particularly in sensitive regions like the Arctic. Measures include:

• environmental impact assessments
• improved spill response technologies
• stricter waste management practices
• increased involvement of Indigenous communities

At the same time, concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss are influencing decisions about future oil development in the Arctic.

Looking Ahead

As global energy systems evolve, balancing resource development with environmental protection remains a key challenge. In the Arctic, where ecosystems are especially vulnerable, careful management and long-term monitoring are essential to minimise environmental impact.

Sources: NOAA, Agreement of Cooperation on Marine Oil..., NCBI