Tag: climate change

Scientists Use Satellites to Track Polar Bears

With sea ice in the Arctic melting, polar bears are in peril. Researchers have monitored the threatened species for decades, but tracking bears in remote and harsh climates can be costly and dangerous. Which is why federal scientists have started using a new tool to study the animal: satellites.

Invasive species could increase as climate warms

For the past few years Alaska has tried to eradicate its only known invasive aquatic plant: Elodea. The sturdy weed has taken root in a handful of the state's water bodies, threatening native birds, fish, and fauna. As ocean temperatures increase and icy days decrease, researchers worry it's only a matter of time before Elodea-and other invasive plants and animals-spread throughout Alaska. Download Audio

Video Collars Provide Polar Bears’ Point Of View

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey are using new video collars to get a glimpse into the daily life of polar bears. Researchers have been using radio and GPS collars since the 1980s to track polar bears' movements along the Arctic sea ice. But, that data lacks a lot of contextual and observational information that allows for a better understanding of the bears. Download Audio

Government Seeks Delay on Seal Status Decision

The federal government is seeking a six-month delay for deciding whether two seals that depend on sea ice should be listed as a threatened species because of climate warming.

Ambassador Henry MacDonald

Suriname Ambassador to the U.N., Henry MacDonald's talk on "Climate Change: Forest Conservation in the Republic of Suriname and the Way Forward" was recorded at the Alaska World Affairs Council on December 2, 2011.

Arctic Scientist Under Investigation

A federal wildlife biologist whose observation in 2004 of presumably drowned polar bears in the Arctic helped to galvanize the global warming movement-- has been placed on administrative leave and is being investigated for scientific misconduct, possibly over the veracity of that article.

Alaska News Nightly: July 28, 2011

Arctic Scientist Under Investigation, Officials Hammer Out Details on U.S. Russia Polar Bear Treaty, UAF Researchers Unlocking Secret of Hibernation, Young Argues to Strip Park Service’s Power in Yukon Charley Preserve, and more...

Climate Change Shifting Southern Fish North

Alaska fishermen have noticed southern species moving into northern waters in recent years. Now research by American and Canadian fisheries biologists shows climate change is causing the same situation in the Pacific Northwest.

Alaska News Nightly: July 11, 2011

Shell Oil Permits Opposed by 19 Environmental Groups, Fuel Barge Runs Aground Near Dillingham, Substance Abuse Program for Pregnant Women Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Lighting Strikes Ignite Over 30 Fires, and more...

Judge Upholds Threatened Status of Polar Bears

A judge on Thursday ruled the federal government was correct in listing the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2008 because of global warming. The state of Alaska was suing to remove protections for the bear.

More Shipping Means More Resources Needed for North Alaska

Alaska's northernmost communities are seeing increased shipping off their shores, as climate warming loosens the ice that once locked out marine traffic.

NOAA Calls for Creation of Climate Change Agency

A longtime National Weather Service meteorologist is pushing for a new sister agency focused on predicting climate change.

Alaska News Nightly: June 22, 2011

DNR Declares New Renaissance for Cook Inlet’s Oil and Gas, Ambassadors Visit Alaska to ‘Experience America’, House and Senate in Talks for Coastal Management Special Session, More Shipping Means More Resources Needed for North Alaska, and more...

New Program Launched to Help Alaska Natives Protect Lands

The Alaska Conservation Foundation is launching a new program aimed at helping Alaska Natives protect their lands.

Alaska News Nightly: June 16, 2011

House Votes to Bar FDA Approval of ‘Frankenfish’, Congressional Delegates Divided on Likelihood of Gas Pipeline, UAA Professor Urges Better Management of Oil Reserves, Annual Finances Released by Congressional Delegates, and more...

Alaska News Nightly: August, 12, 2009

Photo by Christopher Ho, KYUK - Bethel U.S. Secretaries Arne Duncan, Steven Chu, Shaun Donovan, and Tom Vilsack listen to Elder Peter Jacob at the Bethel...

Talk of Alaska: Citizen Observation of Natural Phenomena

Phenology is the timing of the annual cycles of plants and animals and a national network has been set up to collect observations of...