Dear Momoko,
The Western Arctic is America's largest tract of public land—a vast, fragile ecosystem where caribou frolic, migratory birds thrive and countless species depend on intact landscapes to survive.
And right now, this region is under immediate threat.
The administration rushed through approvals late last year for exploratory seismic and drilling operations. ConocoPhillips has now launched an extensive drilling and seismic exploration program across over 300 square miles of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, which includes four new exploratory oil wells to the west and east of its controversial Willow Project, an $8 billion oil-drilling project that is projected to release more than 280 million metric tons of greenhouse gases over the next 30 years.
Momoko, if these plans move forward, the consequences for wildlife and Alaska Native communities will be nothing short of devastating. Check out our blog to learn what seismic exploration really is—and why this matters for the Western Arctic.
Before a single oil rig turns a wheel of machinery, fossil fuel companies conduct seismic exploration—and this is where the damage begins.
Seismic exploration uses massive trucks and shockwaves to map oil beneath the surface. Massive, 95,000-pound thumper trucks traverse the fragile tundra, leave scars that persist for decades, destabilize ancient permafrost and could disturb wildlife like caribou—risking the displacement of animals from critical feeding and calving grounds, increasing their stress and interfering with migration routes that have been passed down for generations.
Momoko, supporters like you make it possible for The Wilderness Society to stop reckless development and protect irreplaceable public lands—and right now, we need your help.
Your support powers our science-based defense of the Arctic—enabling our researchers to bring rigorous science to decision-makers, ensuring the public understands the impacts of exploratory seismic and drilling operations and stopping destructive development before it permanently scars the landscape.
What happens in the Western Arctic will echo for generations. The future of this and so many other wild places depends on what we do now. If you're able, please consider making a gift today to strengthen this fight in 2026 and beyond.
With gratitude,
Margot Krieger
Director of Membership
The Wilderness Society
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