Environment

All Alaska news stories about the environment, climate and weather. Could also include topics like animal die-offs related to the environment.

a fuel tank

Alaska environmental department plans to repeal regulation of some fuel-storage tanks

Thousands of aboveground tanks that store petroleum products would no longer be regulated by the state, under an Alaska DEC proposal.
A sign says tsunami hazard zone

Annual test of Alaska’s tsunami warning system scheduled for Wednesday

It’s a test, but the people sending it out are worried that not everyone will know that.
Crooked Creek flooding

What’s going on with flooding in Alaska? A meteorologist explains.

Meteorologist Mike Ottenweller says it's been a dynamic breakup so far, after a cool April and rapid mid-May warmup.
firefighters stand near charred forest

Some of Canada’s wildfires likely made worse by human-driven climate change

Climate change intensified eastern Canada's hot, dry, windy weather this summer. That made Quebec's enormous burns about twice as likely, according to a new study.
a tiny opossum on top of a piece of cardboard

Grubby’s son captured as Homer faces growing opossum problem

It turns out that Grubby the opossum — who hitched a ride to Alaska in a shipping container in March — had babies.
two people talking

Chevak rallies to repair storm-damaged subsistence gear

During a community meeting, Chevak residents said better emergency planning should be a long-term priority. For now, though, assessing damage is the focus.

TOTE Maritime Alaska is now powering its ships with natural gas, cutting carbon and other pollutants

The company says it's the first in the world to convert a full fleet to run on the most environmentally friendly fuel available.
a flooded street

Bering Strait communities resume air service, plan to fly in drinking water after massive storm

With a boil water notice in Unalakleet after Western Alaska's massive storm, area communities are asking for drinking water to be flown in.
Japanese knotweed

Alaska experts try to untangle invasive Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed can survive being hacked into pieces and thrown into the ocean — and scientists say it has a growing hold in Southeast Alaska.
A woman in an orange sweater leaning against her car.

A small but growing group of EV owners in Alaska show electric cars can work in the frigid north

Amid a federal push to limit vehicle emissions, there is a small but fast growing community of electric car owners in Alaska. Drivers say modern EVs can handle the winter conditions just fine.
a man poses for a portrait outside in a kuspuk with glasses

Remembering Joe Senungetuk, a practitioner in the art of resistance

The Inupiaq artist, who died on May 31, leaves behind many contemporary art fans who loved his carvings, sculptures, and paintings.
an avalanche

Denali National Park worker killed in avalanche

Eric Walter was caught in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, not far from the park’s entrance.
a forest

Whale Pass wants carbon credits instead of timber sale but state says no

Locals have long opposed a nearby timber sale on state land, where the state has approved clear-cutting nearly 300 acres of old growth.
A man on a ladder installs a piece of equipment on the upper part of a wall.

Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects

The state identified almost a billion dollars in need for projects that would help lower energy costs for an EPA grant program. 

China seeks bigger role in Arctic

China issued its first national policy on the Arctic, and it reveals expansive ambitions in the far North. "China is stepping into the power vacuum of global leadership since the Trump administration came to power." Listen now
A man in a kayak near lines of yellow floats

Fuel vault likely led to oil spill at Anchorage’s University Lake

The popular off-leash dog park remains closed as cleanup continues.

Flood Warning: Prince William Sound

The NWS Anchorage has issued a flood warning for Southeast Prince William Sound, including Cordova, Eyak River, Eyak Lake until 4:00 PM AKDT Thursday.
a lingcod

What’s the best way to monitor for mercury in Alaska seafoods? Test human hair, says these researchers

Two researchers say the best way to track mercury levels in Alaska seafood isn't testing fish coming over the docks, but testing human hair.
Jesse Kiehl and clean water advocates

Alaska senator’s fight to regulate ‘forever chemicals’ gets a boost from new federal standards

PFAS compounds, known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, have been linked to cancer.