Climate Adaptation Planning in Alaska

The attached report and accompanying StoryMap provide an overview of the current state of climate adaptation planning across Alaska. Together, they describe what climate adaptation plans are, what they aim to achieve, and the key areas of concern being addressed (e.g. infrastructure, subsistence, cultural practices, and local economies). The report also examines how is local and traditional knowledge (LTK) incorporated into adaptation plans and assessments, how this integration has evolved over time, and to what extent climate mitigation and adaptation synergies and co-benefits are being explored across the state.

In addition, the report identifies ongoing barriers to climate adaptation planning and implementation, with particular attention to equity in access to planning resources. It considers whether current resources are distributed equitably and explores opportunities to improve access and support for communities across Alaska.

This project was part of the WAGE Circumpolar Partnership led by Université Laval, funded by the Social Science and Humanities Council of Canada and by Alaska Sea Grant at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This project would not have been possible without the partners across Alaska who contributed their time and energy to having conversations with the authors.