Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk

Some advocates say it’s largely because of federal policy that some of these villages are so vulnerable to climate change in the first place.

The short meetings were a chance for Alaska businesses to introduce themselves directly to what they hope will be a giant market of new customers. 

The Walker Administration is asking for public input as it develops a sweeping new climate policy for the state. The public has until June 4 to weigh in online.

An Anchorage judge heard arguments Monday on whether a lawsuit brought by sixteen young Alaskans suing the state over climate change should advance.

The top job at the federal agency tasked with coordinating help for Alaska villages threatened by climate change will soon be vacant.

The first recommendations from Gov. Bill Walker’s climate task force run the gamut — from putting a price on carbon to supporting a more diversified economy and improving how climate change is taught in schools.

The $15 million in this year’s spending bill is just a fraction of what Newtok needs to fund its relocation. But village leaders say it’s crucial seed money that will make everything else possible.

The spending bill would double the budget of the Denali Commission, which funds infrastructure in rural Alaska. The commission says virtually all the new money will go to relocating the eroding village of Newtok.

A state official said the grant program is crucial because the erosion in Newtok and other Alaska villages does not qualify for traditional disaster relief.

Last week, social media across Western Alaska lit up as residents posted photos and videos of open water where, normally, there’s ice.