By now I’m sure you’ve heard at least whispers of the Willow Project. It’s been briefly touched on in the news and has gone viral on social media platforms. We’ve heard it will create many new jobs, but we’ve also heard it will be detrimental to our environment. So what really is the Willow Project?

The Willow Project, proposed by ConocoPhillips, would involve drilling for oil in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), a federally-owned area that spans over 22 million acres. The project is expected to produce up to 160,000 barrels of oil per day and could create over 1,000 jobs in the area.

Supporters of the project argue that it will provide much-needed economic benefits to the region, as well as reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. The project has also been touted as a way to boost national security, as it would provide a domestic source of oil.

However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the impact that the project could have on the fragile Arctic ecosystem. The NPR-A is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds. The project could disrupt their habitats, potentially leading to a decline in their populations.

Additionally, the drilling process itself could release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. This is a concern for many people who are already worried about the effects of climate change on the planet.

Despite these concerns, President Biden ultimately approved the project, with some conditions. These conditions include requirements for ConocoPhillips to minimize its impact on the environment, as well as to consult with local communities and Indigenous groups. The company will also be required to monitor the project’s effects on the environment and wildlife and take steps to mitigate any negative impacts.

This is an act that does not affect only the Alaskan population, wildlife, and habitat, the Willow Project will also affect people worldwide. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, “If Willow produces as much oil over thirty years as expected, the consumption of that oil would release the equivalent of 277 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” This insane amount of carbon dioxide emissions will cause the environment to warm, thus contributing to climate change.

Overall, the decision to approve the Willow Project is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of the project will be, both for the environment and for the people who live in the region.