Cumulative Effects of Particular Concern in the Arctic
Permafrost: A single activity over a limited period of time may not
cause significant impacts to the permafrost. However, multiple activities over an
extended period could have serious, even irreversible effects.
Airborne contaminants: Because of atmospheric circulation in the
Northern hemisphere, the Arctic is a sink for airborne contaminants. This is an
important consideration when determining the geographic boundaries of the analysis.
Activities that are a considerable distance from the proposed activity may need to be
evaluated if effects from air emissions are an issue.
Subsistence harvest: Many activities in the Arctic have the potential
to affect subsistence harvest activities of indigenous people. The subsistence
lifestyle of indigenous people is indirectly affected by activities that affect the marine
mammals, birds, or fish that constitute subsistence resources. Because many of these
resources are migratory, the cumulative analysis must consider effects that occur along
the migration route. Some activities may directly affect the subsistence harvest by
interfering with subsistence hunting activities.
Social and cultural effects: Because of their distinctive culture and
unique lifestyles, native communities are particularly susceptible to activities of
western and other non-indigenous societies. A single, transitory activity may not
have significant or long-lasting societal effects. However, multiple activities
occurring over an extended period are more likely to have substantial and possibly
irreversible effects on these communities.
For more information, contact James F. Bennett.
