According to the Fish & Wildlife Service, "such a broad spectrum of diverse habitats occurring within a single projected unit is unparalleled in North America, and perhaps in the entire circumpolar north." .
If drilling were to take place in this area, the environmental impact of the project would permanently change the ecosystem of the region, affecting species" survival and reproduction, migration patterns, and population sizes. The threats oil drilling would pose to the Gwich"in peoples" way of life could even be considered a violation of international human rights laws. The Gwich"in tribe has lived in this area for 20,000 years and they heavily depend on the herd of Porcupine caribou to survive. According to biologists, drilling would cause serious harm to the herd because they migrate to the plains every spring to reproduce. Drilling in the area would force the herd to relocate to another area where nutrients would not be as plentiful. As a result insects could not easily escape, and predators, such as wolves and bears, would be more of a threat to young caribou. .
In addition, there would be damage to the environment that is typical to any area where oil is being excavated. Oil spills are unavoidable and even small spills can contaminate water and soil, and harm wildlife. Even if the drilling were accident free, roads, buildings, other structures would need to be built to support the workers and make the land accessible for exploration. Also machinery needed for excavation would be brought in, which would disrupt the existing balance of the ecosystem. Development of the area would not only affect the wildlife and inhabitants of the area but it would permanently change the appearance of the landscape and fertility of the soil. Oil drilling also has negative atmospheric effects including smog, acid rain, and global warming. .
According to geologists, there is an estimated 4.