Climate Change and Unalakleet: A Deep Analysis

• Published in: Sustainability
• Main Authors: Tero Mustonen, Brie Van Dam
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021
• Subjects: Norton Sound; Alaska; ecosystem change; Iñupiaq knowledge; Bering Sea; Environmental effects of industries and plants; TD194-195; Renewable energy sources; TJ807-830; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Pacific
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179971; https://doaj.org/article/532ae169e1e24b1c99c4cbfc5e1246c2

This multi-disciplinary science and Indigenous knowledge assessment paper reviews over 20 years of research materials, oral histories and Indigenous views on climate change affecting Unalakleet, Alaska, USA and Norton Sound. It brings a historical review, statistical analysis, community-based observations and wisdom from Unalakleet Iñupiaq knowledge holders into a critical reading of the current state of climate change impacts in the region. Through this process, two keystone species, Pacific salmon and caribou, are explored as indicators of change to convey the significance of climate impacts. We rely on this historical context to analyse the root causes of the climate crisis as experienced in Alaska, and as a result we position Indigenous resurgence, restoration and wisdom as answers.