ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is a protected area in northeastern Alaska that spans about 19 million acres of Arctic tundra, mountains, and coastline. It provides vital habitat for diverse wildlife such as caribou, bears, and migratory birds. Established to conserve ecosystems and promote scientific research, ANWR also contains significant oil and natural gas reserves beneath its surface. The debate surrounding it involves balancing environmental preservation with energy development, as some advocate for drilling to boost U.S. energy resources, while others emphasize protecting its fragile wilderness and indigenous communities.