Why students and scientists spend summer on ice
The Juneau Icefield Research Program has been around for 70 years. First, exploring the icy expanse. And later, tracking the rate Southeast glaciers are shrinking.
Walker’s new oil and gas advisor wants to put some “grit” in the system
When Gov. Bill Walker announced the creation of a new cabinet position — a chief oil and gas adviser — he framed it as a way to improve his administration’s often rocky relationship with the oil and gas industry. Listen now
At DNR, new leader tackles ‘maze’ of oil and gas development on federal land
From Soldotna to the North Slope to Anchorage, the state’s newest natural resources commissioner has spent his career weighing in on energy issues all over the state. Now, Andy Mack has been tapped by Gov. Bill Walker to help guide the state through the maze of federal regulations required to develop oil and gas resources. Listen now
On the scene with the Crystal Serenity
Tonight, the cruise ship Crystal Serenity will cast off from Seward for a first-of-it’s kind trip through the Arctic’s Northwest Passage to New York City. It’s the first luxury liner to attempt the route -- and the largest passenger ship by far. Listen now
As wildfires blaze, Southeast glaciers could be feeling the melt
Out on the glimmering white expanse of the Juneau ice field, a group of students and scientists work an assembly line of sorts. Listen now
Cleaner electricity for Peninsula village to arrive by way of Anchorage
The Native Village of Perryville on the Alaska Peninsula has a new power generator. It will help the village use more renewable power and save on costs. Contractors have almost finished putting it together –- but at the moment, it’s almost 500 miles away from its destination. Listen now
El Nino is out. Will La Nina follow?
One of the strongest El Ninos on record ended in May. A strong La Nina would normally follow. But that isn’t a sure bet this time around. Listen now
Fire Island Wind sees expansion on the horizon
After years of talks and setbacks, there’s momentum to expand the Fire Island Wind project. The first turbines started spinning on the island near Anchorage four years ago, but a planned expansion has been stalled ever since. Listen now
Is the Arctic ready for the Crystal Serenity?
It's the largest cruise ship to navigate the route, which hugs the coasts of Alaska, Canada and Greenland. And it's attracted international attention, with many wondering if it’s a sign of what’s to come as the Arctic sees increasingly ice-free summers. Listen now
Uptick in oil prices helps Alaska’s bottom line, but not much
Oil prices were up for the third straight week last week. Listen now
NASA keeps watch of shrinking Arctic ice
The future of monitoring Arctic ice begins in space. Listen now
Weather balloons help solve climate puzzle in Alaska
Around the world, twice a day, everyday, more than 700 weather balloons launch into the air. 14 of those balloons are released across Alaska, tracking things like temperature, humidity and wind speed. Listen now
Report: Gas line project not competitive without major changes
Alaska’s natural gas pipeline project -- as currently envisioned -- is not competitive and likely cannot succeed in the current market. That’s the conclusion of a report from the outside consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. Listen now
New Attorney General weighs in against ExxonMobil’s tactics fighting climate change investigations
Since last November, ExxonMobil has been the target of a growing number of state attorneys general investigating whether the company lied about its research about climate change. Listen now
State takes control of gas line megaproject; consultant warns of major risks
The state of Alaska is formally taking over the massive North Slope gas line project. Listen now
Grid referee could ensure cheaper electricity for Alaska’s Railbelt
For the first time in years, the state is seriously talking about putting a kind of referee in charge of how electricity moves from point A to point B. That could lower Alaskans’ electric bills. The Railbelt’s power companies are working on making this happen, but they’re also nervous about handing over the keys to just anyone. Listen now
Should Alaskans fear diseases frozen in the permafrost?
Russian officials say warming permafrost could be linked to a deadly anthrax outbreak in Siberia this month. Permafrost can be found almost everywhere in Alaska — from the Arctic coast to Anchorage. But at least one expert isn’t alarmed about the potential for thawing ground to bring old diseases back to life. Listen now
Forest service gives go ahead for Kuiu Island timber sale
An old growth timber sale recently announced in a Ketchikan newspaper has one conservation group scratching its head. That’s because this type of harvest — near valuable salmon streams — won’t be allowed in the future. Listen now
As summer ends, daily high temperature records fall around the state
In climate terms, Wednesday marks the official end of summer. That’s because June, July and August are the hottest months of the year. And in Alaska, it was really hot this summer. Listen now
Clock is ticking on state dispute with Prudhoe Bay leaseholders
The clock is ticking on a dispute between Governor Bill Walker's administration and the state's largest oil producers.