Environment

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

homes

Alaska’s recent cold snap tested critical infrastructure, including in Mertarvik

The entire community was without electricity for more than three days, as subzero temperatures sapped the local generator's batteries.
Caribou graze on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with snowcapped peaks of the Brooks Range as a backdrop. (USFWS)

Caribou management in Alaska | Talk of Alaska

What should be done to ensure caribou are healthy and plentiful for future generations, and who should have a say in management?
a wolf

No deer, no problem: Sea otters become main course for this Southeast Alaska wolf pack

On a tiny, remote island in Southeast Alaska, scientists recently made a surprising discovery: Wolves are eating sea otters.
a flower moon in the sky

The first supermoon of the year will light up the night sky Monday evening

Monday's moon is a so-called supermoon because it will be both full and located close to Earth on its elliptical orbit around our planet.
Tom McKay

Alaska House approves relaxed environmental rules for ‘advanced recycling’

Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage and House Bill 143’s prime sponsor, said the bill now headed to the state Senate would keep plastic out of landfills.

As Storm Lashes West, Edgecumbe Students Call Home

The storm isn’t over, but the worst appears to have passed for many communities along Alaska’s west coast. A monster storm packing hurricane force winds and high seas came out of the Bering Sea this week, causing places from Unalakleet to Point Hope to brace for the worst.
two paleontologists

Scientists embark on a Yukon River expedition to track down a trove of dinosaur footprints

After dozens of field seasons along the Aleutian chain and on the North Slope, paleontologists will explore new territory along part of the Yukon River.

Heavy winds and wet snow lead to icy streets and power outages in Anchorage

The city saw gusts as high as 82 mph in the Potter Marsh area, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.

New Storm Heading for Southwest Alaska

Another storm is brewing for Southwest Alaska. It comes on the heels of damaging strong winds experienced over the last two days.

Kodiak fishermen find extra work through halibut research amid stock concern

The Pacific halibut fishery may see a drop in stock over the next few years and the International Pacific Halibut Commission, which regulates the fishery, uses surveys in Kodiak waters to collect data. Listen now
mike dunleavy

Dunleavy visits Norton Sound to assess storm damage

After spending time in Golovin, Elim and Koyuk, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said there's no substitute for being on the ground and seeing the storm impacts with his own eyes.
the National Tsunami Warning Center

Alaska’s annual tsunami warning test failed for some communities

Wednesday was the annual test of Alaska’s tsunami warning system — but Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka and Unalaska didn't hear it at all.
a landslide

Husband of sole Wrangell landslide survivor found dead in search

The Thursday recovery of 65-year-old Otto Florschutz's body brings the Nov. 20 disaster's official death toll to five. Derek Heller, 12, is still missing.
Little Duncan Bay

Filming of reality show near Petersburg could interfere with subsistence hunting

The U.S. Forest Service has authorized Netflix and the BBC to shoot the second season of “Outlast” in Little Duncan Bay, southeast of Petersburg.
two whales

2 humpback whales freed after entanglements near Juneau

One of the freed whales, a humpback calf named Herbert, was the third reported humpback entanglement in the area this month.

BLM projects ‘insignificant’ impact from seismic work in ANWR

Officials from the Bureau of Land Management expect "no significant impact" from a 3d seismic survey in the Arctic Refuge. They expect to approve the request in time for work to begin this winter. Enviros say the work could disturb denning polar bears. Listen now
Tara Riemer

Alaska SeaLife Center CEO stepping down after 11 years

Tara Riemer says she will remain in her current role until a new president and CEO for the SeaLife Center is found.
boats leave a harbor

Tsunami warning canceled following strong earthquake off Alaska Peninsula

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake initially triggered sirens and evacuations in communities including Sand Point and Kodiak.
A path along a river is bordered by a retaining wall on one side and a row of black poles sticking out of the ground on the other.

New study hints at huge price tag from permafrost thaw in Alaska

Scientists estimate that most near-surface permafrost will disappear by the end of this century.

As coastal erosion pulls rural Alaska communities into the sea, new research seeks solutions

For years, coastal Alaska communities have contended with erosion. A growing field of research explores ways to address the problem.