If you get stuck or injured out in the middle of nowhere, Alaska isn’t the worst place to do it. The state hosts some of the most elite, specialized rescue operators and equipment in the world. Many of the same pilots and medics who work in military combat zones overseas train in Alaska, practicing their techniques and tactics on in-state search and rescue operations. And the state’s unique terrain and wilderness make it an idea training ground for a small group of military specialists.
Joey Mendolia, Alaska's Energy Desk - Anchorage
Video: Meet the people building Alaska’s next generation housing
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks is working to develop more durable and sustainable housing that can withstand Alaska’s harsh climate. Mixing 21st Century technology with traditional knowledge, the Center’s engineers tackle issues such as building on thawing permafrost, heat retention and adequate ventilation. Climate change presents another problem to solve, and the CCHRC is experimenting with different building techniques in unique environments across Alaska.
Southcentral Alaska sees most destructive spruce beetle outbreak in over two decades
Southcentral Alaska is dealing with a spruce beetle outbreak. The voracious insect damaged nearly 600,000 acres of forest in 2018 and the damage continues to grow. Anchorage has seen a sharp uptick in spruce beetle damage, going from zero acres damaged in 2016 to over one thousand in 2018.
This is the solar farm oil employees built
Just off the highway in Willow, four current and former BP employees have built one of Alaska’s first commercial solar farms. Using 408 solar panels and repurposed oil piping, the team of four set up their solar farm on seven acres of land. Built as a pilot project, the team hopes to either expand the farm or create a new one in a different location in the future. The current farm will supply electricity to around 30 homes.
New Anchorage Museum exhibit transports visitors to Alaska’s arctic landscape
A new exhibit at the Anchorage museum lets visitors experience a northern Alaska phenomenon called a pingo — a permafrost mound. The sculpture combines hydraulic powered metal arms, real Alaskan cedar and augmented reality to mimic a pingo’s lifecycle.
Museum Director Julie Decker says the exhibit “is really a story about our natural environment.” As one museum goer put it, “you really feel like you’ve been moved to another place.”
Dozens of Anchorage neighbors come together to buy solar panels in bulk
More than 30 residents of the Airport Heights neighborhood in Anchorage are installing solar panels on their roofs this year. It’s part of “Solarize Anchorage” a program that brings together neighbors to purchase solar panels in bulk.