Industrial activity threatens the Arctic

“The Arctic is virtually the last wilderness area left in the world, a pristine ecosystem nearly untouched by the development pressures that have despoiled much of the landscape at more southerly latitudes . . . [World Wildlife Fund] said yesterday this wilderness is being severely threatened by rampant industrial activity and could largely disappear by midway through the century unless stronger conservation measures are taken. The World Wildlife Fund said the eight countries sharing the Arctic should launch an immediate effort to safeguard the lands and the oceans at the top of the world before they succumb to road building, forestry operations, mining, and oil and gas extraction.