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The US government is pushing forward with controversial plans to allow drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by starting the process of selling leases to oil companies. The area in north-eastern Alaska is one of the United States' last untouched areas of wilderness, home to Native communities and a critical habitat for polar bears, caribou and wild salmon.

Many argue that drilling would provide jobs and bring in large amounts of revenue, while others fear its impact on the area and its wildlife.

Andy Moderow, State Director for the Alaska Wilderness League, a non-profit ecological organisation, describes the incredible diversity of the area's wildlife and hopes that Biden would intervene to ensure that drilling does not go ahead.

Photo: Porcupine caribou herd in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Credit: Getty Images