Climate Change + Adaptation Planning
Similar to many regions across the globe, the Kodiak Archipelago is seeing significant changes to its environment as a result of climate change. As stated from the Fourth National Climate Assessment webpage, Alaska is among the fastest warming regions on Earth. While there are a few options as to how communities can respond to the impacts of climate change, what is known as climate adaptation planning is one method that allows for stakeholders to voice and document the changes they are seeing in their community and outline ways in which they propose to mitigate the impacts of these changes – known as adaptation strategies.
In 2021, KANA was awarded funds through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to collaborate with Kodiak Tribes on developing a climate adaptation plan. This plan aimed to identify the most pressing changes and formulate adaptation strategies for the region. The initial version of the climate adaptation plan was finalized in November 2023, revealing the necessity for a holistic approach to address Kodiak’s challenges. Climate change is expected to significantly affect subsistence harvesting on Kodiak Island, thereby impacting the local economy. Recognizing this, KANA sought and received funds from the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP) to integrate climate adaptation strategies into the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This initiative aims to identify economic approaches that not only enhance the environment but also mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Kodiak Tribes’ primary concern regarding climate change at this time is the availability of subsistence resources and food security. To address these concerns comprehensively, we are striving to identify economic approaches that can mitigate climate change while ensuring Kodiak Island’s resilience in the face of environmental shifts.
Below are current sectors outlined in the CEDS that could adapt climate resilient strategies:
- Mariculture
a. Shellfish Farming / Clam Gardens
b. Kelp Farming - Agriculture
a. Hydroponics
b. Small Farms - Energy
a. Hydroelectric generation
b. Solar electricity generation
c. Wind turbine electricity generation - Tourism
a. Wildlife Tourism
b. Cultural Tourism
