Climate changes and its impact on the alpine region of Alaska

Published in The Earth News, Leh, Ladakh - September 14, 2023

By Aman Goud, Student of Wayzata High School, Minnesota, USA

Alaska, America's largest state, is undergoing profound transformations due to climate change. The alpine and Arctic regions of Alaska are experiencing some of the most dramatic effects of global warming, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities.

Permafrost and Microorganisms

The thawing of permafrost—permanently frozen ground that has existed for thousands of years—is one of the most significant impacts of climate change in Alaska. As temperatures rise, permafrost begins to melt, releasing trapped greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This creates a dangerous feedback loop, where released gases contribute to further warming.

The melting permafrost also affects the microscopic organisms living within it. These microorganisms, which have been frozen for millennia, are now becoming active as temperatures rise. Their activity can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, releasing even more greenhouse gases.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), serves as a crucial indicator of climate change's impact on alpine ecosystems. The park has experienced:

Glacial retreat: Glaciers throughout the park are melting at unprecedented rates
Earlier spring thaw: Snow melts weeks earlier than historical patterns
Altered vegetation patterns: Plant communities are shifting to higher elevations
Wildlife migration changes: Animals are adapting their seasonal patterns

Marine Ecosystems Under Stress

Alaska's marine ecosystems are experiencing cascading effects from climate change:

Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

The foundation of the marine food web, phytoplankton and zooplankton, are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Warming waters are altering their distribution, abundance, and seasonal timing, which affects the entire food chain.

Salmon and Herring

Alaska's iconic salmon and herring populations face multiple climate-related challenges:

Warming rivers reducing suitable spawning habitat
Changes in ocean temperature affecting migration patterns
Altered food availability due to shifts in plankton populations
Increased disease and parasite prevalence in warmer waters

Seabirds

Seabird populations are declining as their prey species shift distribution. Puffins, murres, and other seabirds that depend on specific fish populations are struggling to find food during critical breeding seasons.

Marine Mammals

Polar bears, seals, sea lions, and sea otters are all affected by:

Declining sea ice reducing hunting platforms
Changes in prey availability
Habitat loss and degradation
Increased competition for resources

Marine Invertebrates

King crabs, Dungeness crabs, and other invertebrates are experiencing:

Ocean acidification affecting shell formation
Temperature stress outside their optimal ranges
Changes in reproduction and development rates

Terrestrial Ecosystem Changes

Vegetation

Alaska's plant communities are undergoing significant transformations:

Shrubs expanding into previously tundra-dominated areas
Tree lines moving to higher elevations
Changes in wildflower blooming times
Increased vulnerability to wildfires

Herbivores

Caribou, moose, and other herbivores face challenges including:

Altered food availability and quality
Changes in migration routes and timing
Increased parasite loads in warmer conditions

Predators

Wolves, bears, and other predators must adapt to:

Shifting prey distributions
Changes in denning and hibernation patterns
New competition from species moving northward

Birds and Insects

Flying organisms are particularly sensitive indicators of climate change:

Earlier migration and breeding seasons
Range expansions of southern species
Mismatches between insect emergence and bird nesting
New pest species moving into Alaska

Solutions and Hope

While the challenges are significant, there are concrete actions we can take to address climate change:

Transition to renewable energy: Moving away from fossil fuels to solar, wind, and other clean energy sources
Protect and restore ecosystems: Preserving forests, wetlands, and other natural carbon sinks
Sustainable practices: Adopting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and forestry practices
Research and monitoring: Continuing to study climate impacts to inform adaptive management
International cooperation: Working together globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Indigenous knowledge: Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge in conservation efforts
Education and awareness: Raising public understanding of climate change impacts and solutions

Conclusion

Alaska's alpine and Arctic regions serve as an early warning system for the rest of the planet. The changes occurring there today preview what may come elsewhere if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. By taking decisive action now—both individually and collectively—we can work to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and preserve Alaska's magnificent wilderness for future generations.

The story of climate change in Alaska is not just about loss; it's also about resilience, adaptation, and the urgent need for action. As a student from Minnesota studying these distant but interconnected ecosystems, I've learned that what happens in Alaska matters to all of us. The fate of Alaska's glaciers, wildlife, and communities is tied to choices we make today about energy, conservation, and our relationship with the natural world.

Aman Goud is a student at Wayzata High School in Minnesota, USA, and a travel blogger documenting environmental changes around the world.