Global Warming Threat to Wildlife Refuges in Alaska

Alaska’s 16 refuges, which make up almost 83 percent of the land in the National Wildlife Refuge System, are suffering from global warming. Since the 1950’s, the average temperature in the Arctic region has increased by 4 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the global average temperature change. Precipitation across most of Alaska has increased approximately 30% between 1968 and 1990.

Evidence of the rapid warming is everywhere. Sea ice is melting earlier, permafrost is thawing, glaciers are retreating, wildlife is migrating, and arboreal insect infestations, once limited by the cold, are spreading. The United States Global Change Research Program projects that rapid warming will continue and that Alaska will warm 1.5-5°F by 2030 and 5-18°F by 2100. Northern Alaska will likely experience the state’s strongest temperature changes, especially in winter. The United States Global Change Research Program also concludes that thawing will increase and the top 30 to 35 feet of Alaska’s permafrost will probably melt by 2100.

Precipitation will most likely increase by 20-25% in the north and northwest, while decreasing 10% along Alaska’s southern coast. According to United States Global Change Research Program’s projections, increased evaporation attributable to warming will more than make up for the increased precipitation, making soils drier throughout most of Alaska. Frequent forest fires already transform the landscape and yellowed rims encircle drying lakebeds.

Refuges at Risk 2006
This report identified global warming as the single greatest threat imperiling the National Wildlife Refuge system as a whole. Ten refuges facing dire consequences from global warming are featured.