There is still much to learn about the interaction of organisms found in high latitude ecosystems. Rising temperatures in the north may not automatically equate to a positive feedback to the soil carbon feedback cycle.
The Alaska Legislature established the Alaska Earthquake Information Center (AEIC) by statute in 1986. Home of the second greatest earthquake recorded in 1964 and the most seismically active state in the Union, Alaska has a selfish interest in monitoring earthquake activity within the state.
Recent eruptions of the Kasatochi, Cleveland, and Okmok Volcanoes in Alaska have highlighted the importance of the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) to the state. In a one-month period starting on 12 July 2008, the three Aleutian Island volcanoes erupted, with ash reaching at times to 35,000 feet. Flying ash presents an obvious hazard to aircraft [...]
As an arctic state, it is recognized that Alaska will bear the significant effects of climate change. Extensive beach erosion and disappearing lakes offer clues of coming change. The state worldview of the issue is at times tenuous. While many leaders here deny even the existence of climate change, most will concede change is underway. [...]
Correctly planning for the many important development issues faced in the north will positively effect both the environment and its inhabitants. Pollution in the arctic and subsistence practices are two issues that seem disconnected in any treatment of the debate concerning the arctic environment. There is little argument that pollution is something that we wish [...]
Millions of birds pass through the Arctic on their global migrations and 85 species nest in the region each summer. Adequate basic research is missing on some species and their true condition is little more than a guess. The combination of climate change and effects of energy exploration have an effect on Arctic bird populations.
“As part of the Administration commitment to ensuring that offshore oil and gas decisions are based on science and sound information, the U.S. Geological Survey will examine and summarize what information is available about the Arctic and what knowledge gaps may exist regarding environmental sensitivities, including impending climate change, and other factors that would be considered in decisions about potential future development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.”
Organizations interested in keeping Alaska’s harbors clean and protecting the environment have crafted a guide for harbormasters and boaters to help keep things green.
