Hobbies And Interests
Loss of Habitat
Though the tundra is a less-than-ideal location for human habitation, there are still small towns spread out across it. Most are native communities, but some have sprung up more recently to exploit the tundra's natural resources. Tundra is rich in fossil fuels and minerals, such as gold, copper and diamonds. Buildings, roads and other infrastructure often disrupt the migration patterns of wildlife, reducing their populations.
Environmental Degradation
Pollution is a major cause of destruction of the tundra. Mining and the extraction of fossil fuels are creating air and water pollution. Open pit mines are causing large scars on the landscape, and the tundra is becoming virtually impossible to restore. Oil spills on both land and water are not uncommon.
Global Warming
The steadily rising temperature of the Earth has also had a huge impact on the tundra. Most of the world's glaciers are in the Arctic and Antarctic and greenhouse gasses, thought to be caused by human activity, are a major cause of the rapid ice melt. The result is predicted to be rising water tables and coastal flooding. The permafrost is also threatened.
Hunting and Invasive Species
Caribou, seals, reindeer and even polar bears have been recklessly hunted across the tundra. Their numbers have dropped significantly, as have those of salmon and whales. As more species become endangered, governments are placing restrictions on the number of animals that can be hunted. Non-native species also are being introduced to the tundra, inadvertently and intentionally. Without natural predators, their numbers can grow unchecked, choking out native plants and animals.