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Alaskan Native Villages

EPA provided assistance to help three Alaska Native Villages address current and future climate change impacts on their communities. One village was in the process of moving to a new location (Newtok), one village was in the process of planning for relocation (Shishmaref), and one village was adapting in place (Shaktoolik).  The three villages were identified based on several factors, including population, imminent risk from climate change impacts, and ability to leverage other agency support. In all three villages, partnerships had already been formed between Tribal organizations and state, local and federal agencies to address community adaptation needs, with the state taking the lead role in coordination of joint interagency efforts.  EPA planned to add value to these existing efforts by bringing consideration of sustainability and environmental, social and economic issues to the partnership. 

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