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Arctic Rivers Threatened by Climate Change
21 Jan
Summary
- Climate change is altering Arctic rivers, impacting ecosystems and communities.
- Indigenous knowledge is being integrated with western science for research.
- Arctic Rivers Project began in 2020, funded by NSF.
Arctic rivers, essential for the cultural, spiritual, and subsistence activities of Indigenous communities, are facing significant disruptions due to climate change. Researchers are actively studying these impacts, integrating traditional Indigenous Knowledge with modern western scientific methods through the collaborative Arctic Rivers Project.
This project, which commenced in 2020 with funding from the National Science Foundation's Navigating the New Arctic Program, is investigating how rising temperatures are altering critical elements like snowmelt, river flow, and ice formation. These changes not only affect the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems but also disrupt the transportation corridors that communities rely upon throughout the year.
Partnerships between institutions such as the Southwest CASC, Alaska CASC, Alaska Science Center, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research are central to this research. Their combined efforts seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges confronting Arctic rivers and the communities dependent upon them.
