President Obama plans to travel to Alaska at the end of the month to highlight the impacts of climate change on America’s last frontier.
In a video Thursday, Obama said Alaska is in a unique position when it comes to climate change and he will meet with local and international leaders to discuss what is happening and how to stop it.
“The hunting and fishing upon which generations have depended for their way of life and for their jobs are being threatened. Storm surges once held at bay now endanger entire villages. As Alaskan permafrost melts, some homes are even sinking into the ground. The state’s God-given natural treasures are all at risk.”
While the focus later this month will be on Alaska, Obama wants all Americans to be watching.
“What’s happening in Alaska isn’t just a preview of what will happen to the rest of us if we don’t take action,” he said. “It’s our wake-up call. The alarm bells are ringing. And as long as I’m president, America will lead the world to meet this threat before it’s too late.”
In addition to meeting with locals, Obama will attend a conference on Arctic issues with government leaders, scientists, religious leaders and others in Anchorage to discuss climate change’s effects in the Arctic.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is suspicious of Obama’s intentions.
“The president of the United States doesn’t go to anybody’s state and stay three days and not do something,” Murkowski said last week at an event hosted by Bloomberg Business.
She said Alaskans are speculating that Obama will announce steps to further restrict oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, establish a marine sanctuary or other actions.
