Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning (SNAP)
SNAP is a collaborative network of the University of Alaska, state, federal, and local agencies, and NGOs. The primary products of the network are (1) datasets and maps projecting future conditions for selected variables, and (2) rules and models that develop these projections, based on historical conditions and trends.
They are currently addressing issues matching the research expertise of university faculty in the SNAP network, which centers on the consequences of climate change in Alaska. Each problem is addressed in at least two stages, first examining the effects of climate change on biophysical processes, and then the effects of these physical changes on society. These effects include the loss of sea ice and coastal erosion, which affect community infrastructure, marine mammals, and oil development; land cover change (due to development or wildfire), which affect fire risk, habitat and subsistence; loss of permafrost integrity, which affects infrastructure and habitat; and changes in hydrology, which affects flooding, water supply, snow cover, winter exploration, and agriculture. Other important issues that might be developed later include energy use and invasive species.
SNAP accepts funds to conduct specific projects. Depending on the scenario and the nature of the stakeholder group, SNAP collaborators serve in one or more of the following capacities: requesting a scenario, providing the input data necessary for the scenario, providing funding for scenario development, serving as a co-PI in proposals to acquire funding, and using scenario products.
Phone: (907) 474-2405
Related Organizations:
- Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP) - RISA
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
Related Resources:
