Subsistence harvest and community cohesion are at the forefront of concerns.
Climate Change
Alaska tourism threatened as iconic glaciers melt away
A recent study found that two-thirds of the world’s glaciers could disappear by the end of this century. Those frozen landmarks are a strong attraction for the state’s tourism industry.
Nome grapples with its future as Arctic shipping traffic increases: ‘Like a highway going right past us’
Large industrial ships can travel through the Arctic waters by Nome faster — shaving days off transit times that would otherwise take them through the Panama Canal.
Diminished population of sunflower sea stars may get Endangered Species Act listing
The huge sea stars, which help conserve kelp beds by eating sea urchins, have been devastated by a wasting disease that is linked by scientists to climate change.
Crab crisis in Bering Sea a sign of ‘borealization’ and big changes in the future, scientists warn
In coming decades, the ocean conditions that triggered the snow crab crash and harvest closure are expected to be common.
Climate change and a population boom could dry up the Great Salt Lake in 5 years
Utah leaders are under pressure to end water diversions and enforce tougher restrictions in order save the drying Great Salt Lake. A recent report predicted it will completely dry in five years.