Answer to Question 1
Two of the most serious environmental threats to the region are global warming and invasive species. Global warming is already contributing to rising sea levels, which has begun to threaten some of the smaller, low-lying islands in Oceania. Invasive species that have accompanied the arrival of Europeans is threatening indigenous species. Some of the invasive species, like rabbis and goats, were brought to the region deliberately. Others, like the brown tree snake were stowaways.
Answer to Question 2
Arctic settlements themselves change the permafrost; thermal impacts from the built
environment such as increased thawing disturbs the foundations of homes and roads.