Climate Change in Point Hope, Alaska - Strategies for Community Health

This report details the struggles of the community of Point Hope, Alaska to adapt to the impacts of climate change.  Major climate change impacts affecting the community include: changes in temperature and precipitation, sea level rise, erosion, permafrost melt, thinning ice and increased snow accumulation, decreases in water quality and supply, and food safety and security.

Recommendations for adaptive strategies are presented for each of the impact areas discussed. Specifically, the report suggests that Point Hope would benefit from increased participation in the following: weather, coastal zone, and wildlife observation and monitoring programs; expanded collaborations with researchers; and increased local capacity for climate change coordination and management.

Publication Date: August 2010

Authors or Affiliated Users:

• Michael Brubaker
• James Berner
• Jacob Bell
• John Warren
• Alicia Rolin

Related Organizations:

• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: Center for Climate and Health

Related Resources:

• Assessment of the Potential Health Impacts of Climate Change in Alaska

Sectors:

• Tribal
• Agriculture and food
• Biodiversity and ecosystems
• Emergency preparedness
• Public health

Resource Category:

• Assessments

Resource Types:

• Assessment
• Policy analysis/recommendations

States Affected:

• Alaska

Impacts:

• Air temperature
• Extreme storms and hurricanes
• Flooding
• Invasive species and pests
• Permafrost melt
• Precipitation changes
• Sea-level rise
• Water quality

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