From a Western Judeo-Christian perspective, the question of whether drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge should occur is a complex and controversial issue that raises important ethical, moral, and religious questions. One perspective within the Judeo-Christian tradition views the natural world as a gift from God that should be protected and conserved for future generations (Wintz, 2018, p. 27). As such, drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge would be seen as an exploitation of God’s creation and an act of environmental degradation that would harm the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Proponents of this view might argue that we have a moral obligation to preserve the environment for future generations and that we should prioritize the protection of God’s creation over the pursuit of short-term economic gains.
From a Buddhist perspective, the question of oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge would be evaluated in light of the Buddhist teachings on interdependence, impermanence, and non-harm (Chapple, 2017). Buddhism teaches that all things are interconnected and that actions taken in one place can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge would be seen as an act that could potentially harm not only the wildlife and ecosystem in that location, but also affect the well-being of other beings and the wider environment.
I agree with not drilling for oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge for several reasons. First, the Alaska Wildlife Refuge is a unique and delicate ecosystem that is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including migratory birds, caribou, and polar bears. Drilling for oil in this location would pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of these species, as well as the ecosystem as a whole. Second, the Alaska Wildlife Refuge is also a valuable source of recreation and tourism, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its natural beauty. Drilling for oil would negatively impact the recreational and tourism industries in the area, as well as the local economies that depend on them.
References
Chapple, C. K. (2017). Buddhist interdependence and the elemental life. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Religion and Ecology, 90-103.
Wintz, J. (2018). Saint Francis and the Birds. Franciscan Media.