As Emmerson says, “Our ideas of the Arctic – permanent, pristine, unchanging – will persist long after they have been overtaken by Arctic change.”
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Tag Archives: Arctic Alaska
Time is Short to Comment on Proposed NOAA Arctic Vision and Strategy
The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.
Posted in Environment, Marine Ecosystems, Natural History Also tagged Alaska, Climate Change, Environment, Northwest Passage Leave a comment
Presidential Directives Issued for Arctic Region Policy
In closing hours of the Bush Administration, new National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directives were issued that address arctic region policy for the United States. A key statement found in the documents reinforces the notion that the United States is an Arctic nation.
Posted in Environment, Marine Ecosystems, Transportation Also tagged Arctic Policy, Arctic Shipping Comments closed
Stabilizing Greenhouse Gasses Could Slow Loss of Arctic Sea-Ice and Benefit Polar Bears
Efforts to stabilize greenhouse gas emission levels combined with reductions in other stress factors related to Polar bears, like pollution, tourism and hunting, could help preserve the species.
Arctic Fisheries Management Plan Proposed
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service has announced a proposed framework to accomplish this need and are asking the public to comment on the plan for fishing in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.
Coastal Erosion Rate Doubles Along Beaufort Seashore
The rapidly advancing erosion of shoreline is an obvious threat the existence of coastal villages in Alaska. This threat effects both wildlife habitat and culturally important sites.
Posted in Marine Ecosystems, Natural History Also tagged Climate Change, Coastal Erosion Comments closed
Dramatic Arctic Sea Ice Thinning Seen in NASA Satellite Survey
A comprehensive survey of Arctic sea ice shows that shows there has been dramatic thinning between the years of 2004 to 2008. The once dominant and thicker multi-year ice is being supplanted by thinner seasonal ice.
Alaskan Arctic Could Face Ice-Free Conditions
Scientists with the USGS believe sea-surface temperatures that existed during the mid-Pliocene era that were too warm to support sea ice during the summer season.
Posted in Marine Ecosystems Also tagged Climate Change, Marine Ecosystems, Northwest Passage Leave a comment
