If scientists are so concerned about the Arctic, shouldn't they leave it alone and stop living there?

Question

even Ben 'n' Jerry's have set up a kids' camp there to study the place...don't they realise the increasing population is harming the place...

Answer 1

To learn about the place and to further our understanding of climatology and all manner of other things it's necessary to stay there (not live).

I've been myself and the environmental impact that people cause is very small. There are extremely strict regulations in place governing everything from disposal of toilet paper to heating allowances. I'm causing more damage right now by being sat here with the computer on, the lights on and the heating on than if I were in the Arctic or Antarctic where I'd either be asleep in an expedition sack or in a communal room having a drink with everyone else. In such circumstances the power consumption is low as the lighting and heating are 'shared' by many people.

We've learned an incredible amount by going to these remote places, the benefits of which far outweigh the disadvantages.

In the past people weren't so careful and they left behind them a lot of damage. So much so that places such as the trekking route to Everest Base Camp become known as the Kleenex Trail. Things have changed and the policy now is 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs'.

Answer 2

i dont think that they are trying to harm the artic by studing it, i mean how do we learn more about things if we dont study them, im not sure about the kids camp though............

Answer 3

oh my - where do your arctics begin?
a kids camp - ya sure - dream on.