The ways Sitka could and is being affected by climate change are numerous: the impact of warming oceans on the fishing industry, landslides, increased pest activity in the Tongass, more intense storms impacting utilities — the list could go on.
Alaska's Energy Desk
Arctic seals were listed as threatened in 2012. Now their sea ice habitat will be protected, too.
The Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas are home to a variety of marine mammals, including bearded seals and ringed seals. Though both species are in relative abundance, long-term projections forecast a threat to the once abundant sea ice that the seals live on. As a result, the species were listed as threatened in 2012 under the Endangered Species Act.
Drilling boosters, opponents consider next steps after first Arctic refuge lease sale
The state won 10-year oil leases for nine pieces of land by submitting the minimum offer: $25 an acre. But drilling for oil in the refuge is expensive, and it faces an aggressive opposition campaign.
Dunleavy appeals permit denial for the proposed Pebble Mine
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s denied a permit for the proposed mine back in November.
Federal and state officials sign right-of-way permit for controversial Ambler Road
The road would stretch 211 miles from the Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District east of Kotzebue and would cross Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.
Nation’s sole heavy icebreaker arrives in Unalaska, prepares to patrol Arctic waters
The nation’s sole heavy icebreaker arrived in the Aleutian Islands this week for the first time since 2013.