Marshall Memorial Fellowship: Facing Alaska’s Climate Change
Alaska's prosperity has been fueled for decades by its fossil fuel resources. Oil and gas have provided a significant income to its powerful industry and inhabitants every year, notably via the Permanent Fund, which redistributes at least 25% of all mineral leases revenues, and to the 12 Alaska Native corporations formed by Congress in 1970, they continue to make important investments in the state.
Yet most Alaskans have, perhaps understandably, been turning a blind eye on the oil, gas and coal industries’ environmental impact for decades. But it may be the beginning of the end of the oil hegemony.
The collapse of the price of a barrel of oil is beginning to incite Alaska’s citizens and the 12 corporations to consider diversifying their sources of income and their investments.
Also, unlike some parts of the "Lower 48", Alaskans already report feeling many of the effects of climate change. Residents are already struggling with coastal flooding, forest fires, species migration and changing ice conditions. Anchorage hasn't seen significant snowfall in two years, and entire villages in Western Alaska are planning moves that will cost on average $120 million dollars.
Moreover, the state’s other powerful industry, the fishing business, is directly impacted by oil pollution (Prince William Sound has still not completely recovered from the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989) as well as the acidification and warming of the waters. This industry, followed by the tourism industry, sport fishermen, and traditional Natives provide the best strategic allies for environmentalists in Alaska, who now, as one Alaskan told me during my Marshall Memorial Fellowship visit, "talk to people who don't really understand coal but want to protect salmon."
As a result, public opinion is starting moving. Today, more than half of Alaskans believe there is a link between the fossil fuel industry and climate change. The Pope's message on climate is beginning to shift the perspectives of some Catholics, and youth are becoming more involved. Experts also foresee a tremendous unexplored environmentally friendly "Costa Rican style" ecotourism potential.
Indeed, the number of Alaskans who want to build a sustainable future for their magnificent state is growing like never before. But the crucial energy shift is still far away. The real climate revolution will happen when businesses and politicians realize how much there is to win with a 100% clean revolution.
Marie Yared, Global Campaigner, AVAAZ Foundation, Paris is a Spring 2016 Marshall Memorial Fellow.