Migrasi Iklim Suku Asli Alaska Akibat Lelehnya 'Permafrost' [Metro Pagi Primetime]

Summary

The video report from VOA highlights the impact of climate change on Alaska, specifically focusing on the Yupik Indigenous community in Newtok. Melting ice and permafrost erosion are forcing the relocation of around 450 residents to Mertarvik, 15 km away. Erosion has already claimed over 1 km of land, and many residents are expected to move by the end of the year. The report underscores the broader threat of climate change to 75% of Alaska’s Indigenous communities and the need for $4.3 billion in funding to mitigate its effects.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ Climate change exacerbates erosion in parts of Alaska, affecting native communities.
• ❄️ Alaska, known for its freezing temperatures, is witnessing the melting of ice, which is worsening the coastal erosion.
• 🌊 The Yupik community in Newtok is severely affected by soil erosion due to the melting ice and permafrost.
• 🚧 Since 1954, the Newtok community has lost more than 1 km of land due to erosion.
• 🏘️ Most of the 450 residents of Newtok have been relocated to a new city called Mertarvik, located 15 km to the south.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Some Newtok residents miss the strong sense of community they had before the relocation.
• 💧 Many residents who still remain in Newtok plan to move by the end of the year due to threats to essential services like electricity.
• 🏞️ Alaska's Native Health Consortium reports that 75% of Alaska's Native communities face threats from erosion, flooding, and melting permafrost.
• 💰 An estimated $4.3 billion is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Alaska's native communities.
• 🛠️ Relocating Newtok's residents alone is estimated to cost $160 million.

Q & A

What is the main climate-related issue affecting Alaska, specifically its indigenous communities?

The main issue is the impact of climate change, particularly the melting of ice and permafrost, which has led to increased coastal erosion and forced the relocation of indigenous communities like the Yupik.

How does melting ice worsen the situation in coastal Alaska?

Melting ice removes the natural barrier that usually protects coastal areas from strong storms, making erosion more severe and destabilizing the land in indigenous communities like Newtok.

What is the significance of permafrost in Alaska, and what happens when it melts?

Permafrost is ground that remains frozen year-round. When it melts, it weakens the soil structure, leading to increased erosion and instability in the affected areas.

What has been the effect of coastal erosion on the community of Newtok?

Newtok has lost over 1 km of land due to erosion, forcing the relocation of most of its 450 residents to a new town called Mertarvik, which is located 15 km south of Newtok.

What challenges do residents face after relocating to Mertarvik?

Residents face challenges related to community unity, as many feel that the tight-knit bonds they had in Newtok have been disrupted by the relocation.

What is the current status of Newtok, and what are the plans for the remaining residents?

Most of the community's services, such as stores and schools, have already moved to Mertarvik, and the electricity supply in Newtok is at risk of being cut off. The remaining residents are expected to relocate by the end of the year.

How widespread is the impact of erosion on Alaska’s indigenous communities?

According to a report from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, approximately 75% of indigenous communities in Alaska are threatened by erosion, flooding, and the weakening of permafrost.

What financial resources are needed to mitigate the impact of climate change on Alaska's indigenous communities?

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium estimates that $4.3 billion is needed to address the effects of climate change on indigenous communities, with $160 million specifically required to relocate Newtok residents.

How has the federal government been involved in the relocation efforts of Newtok residents?

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has been monitoring the situation, and funding from federal sources has supported the relocation of Newtok residents to Mertarvik.

What are the broader implications of climate change for other communities in Alaska?

As climate change continues to affect Alaska, more indigenous communities are likely to face similar threats of erosion, flooding, and the need for relocation, emphasizing the urgent need for large-scale climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.