Global Warming
KEEPING OUR COOL
IN NORTHERN ALASKA
Taking a lead in preventing global warming
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| Photo: Tony Weyiouanna, Sr. |
What are climate change and global warming?
Climate change is the broad term used to describe global changes in temperature, wind patterns, currents, and storms. Scientists now agree that these changes are being caused to a great degree by the excess carbon dioxide and methane released by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. These gases create a greenhouse effect that traps heat at the earth's surface.
How is warming affecting interior and northern Alaska?
Global warming occurs unevenly, and warming trends have been greatest in the far north. In Alaska's interior region, even slight warming can cause drastic ecological changes as frozen soils thaw. In the far north, species and ways of life are threatened as sea ice melts.
How is preventing global warming related to protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
There are many reasons for weaning ourselves off dependence on oil and other fossil fuels. Reducing the greenhouse effect is one, and protecting wild lands from drilling is another. For more information visit our Arctic pages
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How can we be part of the solution?
Everyone can take part in preventing global warming. Because Alaskans are feeling the effects earlier, we should also be among the first to take action to prevent it. Saving energy and using renewable energy sources are the key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As individuals:
Reduce Your Use
Ideas for Alaskans to Help Prevent Global Warming
Getting political - how to influence policy
As communities:
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
Alaska Communities and Energy Reduction
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Scientific info:
International Panel on Climate Change
Union of Concerned Scientists
Pew center on global climate change
UAF Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Real Climate
International Arctic Research Center
Alaska Climate Research Center
Calculate your own impact:
Alaska Carbon Calculator
Other Alaska organizations:
Alaska Center for the Environment(ACE)
Alaska Conservation Solutions (ACS)
Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP)
Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission
Alaska Climate Sub-Cabinet
Alaska Conservation Foundation
Denali Green Tags
Youth:
ClimateChangeNorth
EPA Kids' Site
Alaska Youth for Environmental Action
Teachers:
K-12 International Polar Year
Blogs:
Mothers for Alaska
Northern Flux |
