Preparing for Arctic Traffic

By: Jessica Robertson

With the changing climate melting ice in the Arctic Ocean, traffic, both tourism and industry related, steadily increases in the northern realm of our planet. The increased travel brings to light the unpreparedness of the region for managing the risk of an oil spill.

            Other highly trafficked water routes have systems in place for managing the occasional oil spill. In the Arctic, fewer systems are in place and the extreme conditions make it a difficult operation to even respond to a spill. Due to the extreme weather, enormous geographic area, beautifully diverse ecosystem, and limited resources for operation and communication in some areas, many changes would need to be instated to prepare for a spill response that compares to a response in easier waters.

            Decision makers are working toward an international plan that would better prepare and protect the Arctic as the traffic pattern expands. A proper response plan must include a number of techniques to span the vast number of possible environmental situations. No single method can begin to apply in all possible spill scenarios.  More equipment, better communication, a larger workforce, and increased safety measures are just a few of the items on the wishlist for a project of this scale.

            Studies are underway to assess the possible effects of dispersants and oil on some Arctic marine species. The findings of these studies will inform decisions on how to manage spills in the future. Alaska has yet to grant approval for the use of chemical dispersants to address a spill, preferring in situ burning as a cleaner and safer method for their environment. It is yet to be seen what methods will be placed in the Arctic toolbox, but hopes are high that the environment will remain safe in their care. 

Stresbusters

By: Kate Serrano

Man is adaptive by nature. We can live under any climate, temperature or circumstance and still survive. One of the factors that man is adaptive to is stress. Stress is nothing more than a force of nature that affects an individual. It may be external – getting all stressed out at work, relationships, home, or even a confrontation. It may also be internal – the amount of sleep or rest you get, emotional wellbeing or fitness status. Stress is a normal part of life. It can either help us grow or cause significant problems but for the most part, we view its more negative side. The most common way to manage stress is through exercise. It helps avoid prolonged stress by turning down the production of its hormones and neurochemicals. It’s an antidepressant at the same time. If you’re stuck with long hours at work, it is therefore important to take breaks – take a lunch break and not talk about work! Or take walk instead of a coffee break. You can use the weekends to relax, and not schedule so many activities that will tire you when Monday morning comes. Exercise nowadays may not be limited to the more physical activities. Meditation and other forms of relaxation techniques also have lasting effects on health. This is the reason why more and more people are signed up to yoga, pilates and the likes.       

So what is so bad about stress? Nothing, it’s more on how you manage it. By preparing yourself, you can turn stress into a positive force of growth and change.