The Final Oil Rush: Inside the Controversial Willow Project
- Nandani
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Heard a lot about the willow project? The controversies, the debates, the case and what not. Well to break it out, The Willow project is a ConocoPhillips oil drilling project that is fully situated on wetlands on the plain of the North Slope of Alaska within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Initially, the project called for building and running up to five drill pads to complete 250 oil wells. Access and infield roads, airstrips, pipelines, a gravel mine, and a temporary island to enable module delivery by sealift barges over permafrost and between Alaskan state-managed waters are examples of associated infrastructure. It is a $7 billion project.
The project intends to provide steady domestic oil production, hence reducing the need for oil imports. It is also made to comply with stringent environmental regulations, minimizing operational greenhouse gas emissions using contemporary technologies. The Willow Project is anticipated to generate significant cash for the federal government, the state of Alaska, and the people of North Slope Borough by creating about 2,500 construction employment and over 300 long-term jobs. Additionally, the project is designed with mitigation measures incorporated to minimize effects on the environment and wildlife, and it is constructed to support and coexist with subsistence operations. Well the following figures really do show the benefits and the growing production profile.
ConocoPhillips says:
According to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimates, Willow could generate between $8 and $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska and North Slope Borough communities. During construction, Willow is expected to create as many as 2,500 jobs, with a majority of labor provided by union workers along with 300 permanent jobs.
Environmental and Global impact -
The environmental and global impact of the willow project has raised concerns, debates, and protests from all over the world.
The willow project could create pollution equivalent to 76 coal-fired power plants!!
The project has faced opposition due to certain environmental concerns, with environmental groups and some Native American communities advocating for alternative energy sources and a focus on reducing carbon emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Burning the extracted oil would emit an estimated 239 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the project's 30-year lifespan. According to conservationists, the project may cause the loss of 532 acres of wetlands which will further increase the vulnerability to climate change and raise the overall economic cost for water treatment and other things. The estimates also show 619 acres of polar bear habitat disruption which is the biggest sign of loss of biodiversity. There is also an estimation of more than 17,000 acres of bird habitat disturbance. The project's location may make the already-existing conditions of thawing permafrost, melting sea ice, and coastal erosion worse. The defenders of the willow still stand firmly on their point as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management estimates that Willow will create only 1% of all U.S. emissions. The project's drilling and infrastructure development could lead to air pollution from methane leaks and other pollutants, posing a threat to public health and safety.
The project is expected to produce around 130 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent over its lifetime. Burning oil in the project could produce about 10 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere each year. The infrastructure for the project, such as pipelines and roads, could impact the ecosystem by fragmenting habitats, disrupting wildlife migration patterns, and polluting waterways. The 1.5 degree-tipping point could lead to millions of deaths worldwide by the end of the century and will also result in extreme heat waves .
There are some innovative approaches the company has proposed to counter the opposition and criticism.
The Willow project has employed a multifaceted approach to tackle urban environmental challenges, incorporating a range of innovative methods and technologies. It embraces green infrastructure integration by implementing elements like green roofs, permeable pavement, and rain gardens to mitigate stormwater runoff, minimize flooding, and enhance water quality. Smart sensor networks are deployed to continuously monitor environmental parameters such as air quality, temperature, and humidity, providing real-time data for informed decision-making and resource optimization. Leveraging data analytics and machine learning algorithms, the project analyzes vast datasets from sensor networks to identify patterns, forecast environmental trends, and refine urban management strategies. Advanced spatial analysis techniques are also employed to optimize the distribution and design of green spaces, maximizing ecological benefits, biodiversity, and human well-being within the urban landscape. Additionally, renewable energy integration through technologies like solar panels and wind turbines aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promotes sustainable urban development. Through these concerted efforts, the Willow project has sought to create resilient and sustainable urban environments for present and future generations. The following figures show the capex profile of the willow project:
The future aspects or outlooks the willow holds are of great significance too as this is what helps the defenders hold their ground.
According to the Bureau of Land Management, the Willow project is projected to deliver $8 billion to $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska and Alaska Native communities. When completed, Willow is estimated to produce approximately 600 million barrels across the lifetime of the project, decreasing American dependence on foreign energy supplies. Designed to support and coexist with subsistence activities on Alaska’s North Slope, the Willow project underwent five years of rigorous regulatory and environmental review.
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Community Engagement-
These profiles, charts and graphs are provided by the big players, but what also matters is the community engagement or the level the community engages with a certain initiative.
Community involvement and participation are pivotal in the planning and execution of the Willow Project, contributing to its success in addressing urban environmental challenges. Community engagement cultivates a sense of ownership among residents, making them stakeholders in the project's outcomes. Empowering communities instills pride in their surroundings, fostering better project results. Tapping into local knowledge and context enriches decision-making by leveraging residents' insights into neighborhood dynamics, needs, and issues. This ensures that project strategies align with the realities of the area. Involving the community helps identify priorities and needs, guiding project planning to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Social capital is strengthened through community involvement, fostering networks and deepening relationships, thus enhancing resilience as communities collectively address challenges and adapt. Engaged residents become advocates for the project's success, ensuring long-term commitment and project continuity beyond the initial implementation phase. In essence, community involvement is integral to the Willow Project, serving as the driving force behind sustainable urban development, with residents' voices, passion, and commitment at its core.
To better understand the perspective, analyzing a case study would help to look practically through the topic of discussion.
CASE STUDY-
Washington DC, America,
24 april,2023
Climate activists arrested after blocking rush-hour DC traffic
A group of climate activists were arrested Monday morning after they blocked rush hour traffic while demanding President Biden declare a "climate emergency."
Six members of the climate activist group Declare Emergency were filmed sitting on a city crosswalk, preventing vehicles from moving forward and angering a series of commuters. The activists held signs that stated, "Declare Emergency!" and "No Willow Project," The protest, which lasted about 25 minutes, ultimately created a massive blockade of vehicles. As the protesters remained steadfast sitting on the ground, drivers continuously honked their horns. Eventually, several Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived, handcuffed the activists and detained them in a police van.
While Biden has focused much of his presidency on combating climate change he has yet to formally declare it a national emergency. A climate emergency declaration would enable Biden to bypass Congress and take several regulatory steps not normally authorized to the White House. In July, after reports that the president would issue such a declaration, he opted instead to issue executive orders addressing the "climate crisis," but he stopped short of an emergency declaration. The president has also been criticized recently for actions such as approving the Willow Project and green lighting a massive natural gas export project, both of which are in Alaska.
This was one classic example of the clashes between the Biden administration and the climate change activists, which led to the detention of the activists but their demands to cancel willow are still not fulfilled.
In summary, according to the US government, this project would bring in jobs, opportunities and it will be executed with innovative and powerful strategies to minimize the negative environmental impact. Whereas, according to top environmentalists, The Willow Project would only bring in ruins and disastrous irreversible effects on the environment. Opinions regarding the Willow Project vary. While some commend its efforts towards ecological restoration and community engagement, others criticize its perceived limitations. Despite repurposing urban spaces and promoting biodiversity, critics contend that more substantial measures are needed to address broader environmental challenges. Nevertheless, the project serves as a valuable example of grassroots initiatives striving for sustainability. By acknowledging both its achievements and areas for improvement, we can work towards more effective solutions and foster a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship within our communities.
References-
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Reviewed and edited by- Jasjeet Arora
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