Alaskan Village Forced to Relocate as Permafrost Melts

As the climate crisis accelerates, the village of Nunapitchuk in southwestern Alaska is facing a dire situation. Homes in the Yup'ik community have been sinking into the melting permafrost, creating an unstable, muck-like ground that has severely damaged key infrastructure.

In 2023, the village collectively voted to relocate to a new spot three miles away that stands on sand instead of soil, which they hope will last for centuries. However, the relocation is estimated to cost around $230 million, and Nunapitchuk has only managed to secure a small fraction of that amount so far.

The Biden administration had started to devote more attention to addressing climate relocation, but the Trump administration froze $100 million earmarked for these communities before it could be distributed. This has posed additional funding challenges for Nunapitchuk and other Alaskan villages facing similar crises.

Residents like Edna Chase, a 60-year-old mother, are struggling to keep their homes from flooding as the ground becomes increasingly unstable. The village's only playground is also filled with holes, and the boardwalks used for getting around are in constant need of repair. The melting permafrost is not only damaging infrastructure but also creating health issues, with high rates of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among the residents.

As Nunapitchuk fights to preserve its centuries-old Yup'ik way of life, the community is determined to relocate to a safer, more sustainable location. However, the lack of federal coordination and funding remains a significant obstacle in their efforts to adapt to the rapidly changing climate.