The Biden administration approved the controversial Willow Project, meaning climate change may become impossible to change. The project will consist of a decade-long oil drill in Alaska. This will send out massive carbon emissions into the air which will destroy both the air and wildlife in the area. 

The idea of the project began back during Donald Trump’s time in office back in 2020. Created by ConocoPhillips, a Houston-based energy company. The Trump Administration approved of the project, beginning the construction of five drill pads. President Biden has only approved three. The project could begin the destruction and extinction of multiple animal species in the area, as well as damage to the atmosphere. 

Many scientists have said that the Willow Project is not suitable for the environment and that it should not have been approved.  According to Karlin Nageak Itchoak, Senior Regional Director at the non-profit Wilderness Society, this project could be destructive to his home. 

“Our Native villages are eroding into the sea, thawing permafrost is making infrastructure insecure, and food sources are disappearing,” Itchoak said. “And this project would just exacerbate and speed up the Arctic Climate Crisis.” 

Environmental activists and people that live in Alaska have expressed their concern and have held protests and petitions to try to stop the project. Others have expressed full support for the project, including government officials who have said that this project would help with taxes. In an interview with CNA, Nagruk Harcharek, president of the Advocacy group of the Arctic Inupiat, said this in support of the project:

“Willow presents an opportunity to continue that investment in the communities,” Harcharek said. “Without that money and revenue stream, we’re reliant on the state and the feds.” 

Along with climate issues, the project also has legal issues it may face. Earthjustice, a legal company that helps fight the climate crisis, has already sent out complaints about the project and is planning and laying out a legal rationale. The drilling is set to begin in April but may be pushed back due to the weather in Alaska. If you or anyone you know is against this project and wants to help climate change, you can go sign the petition at Change.org.