The University of Alaska is creating new scientific, historical, and analytical reports to inform Alaska policy makers on Arctic issues. The first issue of the series, released in January, explores economic and resource development through energy.
In a prepared statement, UA said key points covered in that issue include:
- Alaska’s Arctic Oil Economy A history of Alaska’s reliance on oil and its boom bust impact on the state’s economy, as well as outlooks for future oil investment.
- Alaska’s Arctic Energy System How Alaska currently produces and consumes energy, and UA expertise in cold climate renewables and microgrids.
- Climate Smart Infrastructure An overview of high-impact climate changes in Alaska and how planning for future energy infrastructure must consider these changes.
- Alaska in International Affairs How the U.S.’s collaborative and competitive global relationships impact Alaska’s position in the Arctic energy regime.
University experts and partners in the private and public sectors are the report authors. The series pulls together information from scientific studies, policy analysis, and knowledge of state, regional, federal and international governance, said UA. The reports will come with short videos on each topic.
To date, four videos have been made public:
- Oil Economy video In this video, Diane Hirshberg and Brett Watson (both of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the UAA) discuss the role oil has played in Alaska’s economy.
- Arctic Energy Systems video In this video, Jeremy Kasper and Kate Robb of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power at UAF discuss Alaska’s energy systems.
- Climate Smart Infrastructure video In this video, John Walsh and Rick Thoman of the International Arctic Research Center at UAF discuss the impacts of increasing extreme weather and environmental events on Alaska’s energy infrastructure.
- International Affairs video In this video, Amy Lauren Lovecraft of the Center for Arctic Policy Studies and Brandon Boylan of Arctic and Northern Studies, both at UAF, discuss how the U.S.’s collaborative and competitive global relationships impact Alaska’s position in the Arctic energy regime.
The reports, videos and the researchers will be made available in Alaska’s capitol throughout the legislative session, including lunch and learn presentations, informal meetings, legislative hearings, airing the videos on Gavel to Gavel (similar to C-Span) coverage of the state legislature, and at conferences and meetings.
“The university plans to produce a new report annually, each focusing on a key Arctic issue and tailored to the most pressing needs of the state at the time,” the university said.
ICT is a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization ─ and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICT’s free newsletter.