More than any other part of our nation, Alaska already has been effected by a changing climate. From melting permafrost and its impacts on ecosystems and infrastructure to the challenges to fisheries, forests, and wildlife and subsistence livelihoods, our largest state provides us with a glimpse of what could happen as Earth becomes warmer. Given that Alaska is projected to continue warming, with the largest temperature change on the continent possibly occurring in the Arctic tundra, concerns for this region are heightened.

In considering future climate-change impacts, a serious concern to Alaska is the relative importance of subsistence harvest and consumption to its native cultures. Loss of wildlife and fish species -- possible fallout of a changing climate -- would compromise strong cultural values held by this state's many native peoples. Moreover, it would impose economic hardship, as people would then have to purchase what was once acquired through hunting, trapping, and fishing.

Also important to Alaska is that its issues transcend national borders. As the permafrost that underpins much of this state also underlies the entire Arctic region, concerns about the viability of this icy layer of soil take on an international focus. Similarly, Alaska's bountiful reserves of oil, gas, and coal transcend its borders, a reality that could require international decision-making on how best to handle these resources amidst a changing climate. The potential for changes in fossil fuel use and taxation and the impacts such changes could have on the region are also issues of potential concern. Further, the state's fisheries are governed not only by regional and national treaties, but international ones as well. More so than any other state in our nation, Alaska could need to work cooperatively with international entities in addressing future impacts of climate change.

Potential climate-change impacts on Alaska are based on climate models that provide us with a rich opportunity to contemplate “what if -- scenarios in areas of critical concern to this state. However, given the present impacts of the significant warming that has characterized Alaska during the past century, we are compelled to thoughtfully consider the impacts presented in this paper and strategies that could be effective in avoiding or mitigating them. Historical records provide a glimpse of what impacts could be realized under the continued warming that the models suggest.