Improving Human Impacts

Source: http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/images/environment/img_26.jpg

Global warming is probably the top issue that has negatively impacted the arctic tundra in Alaska. What causes global warming? The main culprit comes from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas to generate electricity. (Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice) While the power being generated is highly useful in our day to day life, the side effect is that heat trapping gases are produced which rise in the atmosphere and causes global warming. How can we slow down and limit global warming then? The best way is to start saving energy. (How to Fight Global Warming) Ways to do this is to drive more fuel efficient vehicles such as hybrids, buy energy efficient appliances to save energy in homes, and just be more actively conscious of energy use in general. Another excellent way to stop global warming is to use renewable energy. This includes using energy sourced from hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar power. Currently, only 13.2% of energy in the USA comes from renewable energy (Berg), and we need utilize these sources of power more since they are continually replenished and do not produce heat trapping gasses.

Oil drilling is also another issue that has negatively impacted the tundra. It has produced toxic pollution that has killed off many plants and animals near the site of the drilling (Iii). However, stopping oil drilling is mainly a political issue. Usually, those in power in the government control whether oil drilling is done or not, so the best way to stop oil drilling is to lobby these leaders to convince them that oil drilling is harmful or to elect leaders that support the stoppage of oil drilling. 
One final issue that needs to be addressed to improve the human impacts of the arctic tundra is hunting. Overhunting of certain species have caused them to become endangered or extinct. The main way to stop this is to enact laws such as the Endangered Species Act that protect these animals and to create wildlife refuges that shield these species from being hunted (Alaska Impacts & Adaptation).