Topic Summaries

Case study – development in cold environments

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Cold environment ecosystems > Case study – development in cold environments
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Energy supply

Svalbard, Norway
Development opportunities
  • Mineral extraction: mining provides over 300 jobs, boosting the local economy.
  • Energy: Svalbard aims to use geothermal energy due to being near constructive plate boundaries.
  • Fishing: the surrounding ocean is home to over 150 species of fish, supporting the fishing industry and providing food for locals.
  • Tourism: activities like glacier tours and wildlife spotting attract tourists, creating jobs and supporting the economy.
Challenges for development
  • Extreme temperatures: winter temperatures drop below –30°C, making daily life difficult. 
  • Inaccessibility: Svalbard is remote, with only one airport in Longyearbyen. Flights come from Norway and Russia, limiting access. 
  • Infrastructure: buildings are specially designed with insulation to retain heat, and pipes are insulated to prevent freezing and damage.

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