DEVELOPMENT IN SVALBARD

• Svalbard is Norweigan territory in the Arctic Ocean - the most northerly permanently inhabited group of islands
• It experiences a polar climate
• 60% of land is covered by glaciers - the rest of the land in Tundra

Mineral Extraction:

• Svalbard has rich coal reserves
• Environmental groups are against mining as it produces greenhouse gasses
• Mining is the main economic activity
• To access mines, roads have to be constructed over glaciers

Energy Developments:

• Some coal is burned to generate electricity
• Environmentalists believe the power station should be closed down
• In the future, geothermal energy will be the most likely source of energy - Svalbard is located near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
• Another future option is carbon capture storage

Fishing:

• They have some fo the richest fishing grounds in the world - over 150 fish species
• Fishing is monitored by Norway and Russia to make sure it's sustainable
• These waters are protected to prevent pollution

Tourism:

• In 2011, 70 000 people visited the capital of Svalbard
• The harbour has been enlarged to cope with higher numbers of cruise ships
• Tourism provides over 300 jobs for locals
• Most tourists come from Norway

• Heating homes in winter
• Snow covered roads
• Constructing and maintaining roads
• Watter supply

Extreme Temperatures:

• Temperatures can fall below -30'C
• Working in these conditions can be dangerous
• To prevent frostbite people have to dress warmly, making outdoor work slow and difficult

Construction:

• Most construction has to be carried out in the brief summer period
• Frozen ground (permafrost) can provide solid foundations but must be protected from melting
• Melting permafrost can cause buildings to collapse and roads to crack
• Most roads are dirt or gravel and are raised above ground

Srvices:

• Most services are provided to individual buildings by over ground heated pipes
• Pipes must be over ground to prevent them thawing from the permafrost

Accessibility:

• Svalbard can only be reached by plane or ship
• Transport systems are very restircted 
• There is only one airport
• Most people use snowmobiles

DEVELOPMENT IN SVALBARD

Opportunities and Challenges