Alaska’s Climate Resettlement Crisis: A Deep Dive into the Challenges and Failures
An investigative report on the ongoing struggles of climate-induced community relocations in Alaska, highlighting systemic issues, funding hurdles, and the human toll.
The Fragile Remnants of a Once-Thriving Village
In the remote landscape of Newtok, Alaska, the remains of a once-bustling public school are now scattered among a heap of shipping containers. The building, long abandoned, is now a silent witness to the community’s ongoing upheaval. Among the ruins, a few stray dogs and a solitary ermine wander, emblematic of a community caught in the throes of climate change.
Late last year, the residents of Newtok, a village perched precariously near the Bering Sea, evacuated their sinking homes. This mass migration was part of a federally funded initiative aimed at relocating communities threatened by rising sea levels and thawing permafrost-an effort that has become a symbol of climate resilience and governmental failure alike.
The Journey to Mertarvik: Hope and Hardship
Approximately 300 residents moved nine miles across the Ninglick River to establish a new settlement called Mertarvik. Yet, the promise of a fresh start has been marred by infrastructural decay and unmet needs. Basic services such as running water are absent, residents rely on makeshift toilets-five-gallon buckets-and face sporadic electricity and crumbling housing that struggle against the region’s extreme weather.
This relocation was envisioned as a model for dozens of other Alaskan communities facing similar threats. However, the reality reveals a starkly different picture: a project hampered by mismanagement, insufficient oversight, and cultural insensitivity, exposing the federal government’s inability to effectively address climate displacement.
Funding and Governance: A Complex Web of Challenges
Since 2019, over $150 million has been allocated from at least seven federal agencies to support Newtok’s relocation. Despite this substantial investment, much of the responsibility has been delegated to the small, under-resourced Newtok Village Council. Tribal authorities, lacking the expertise and stability needed for such a complex project, have faced high turnover and internal conflicts, according to interviews with residents and tribal records.
Federal oversight has been inconsistent. While agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of the Interior have attempted to coordinate efforts, political shifts have undermined progress. For instance, the Trump administration removed the community’s project status from FEMA’s website and froze millions in federal aid designated for housing in Mertarvik, leaving residents in limbo.
The Human Cost of Inadequate Planning
The consequences of these failures are tangible. In Mertarvik, newly built homes are already showing signs of deterioration. An inspection by a housing expert revealed that 17 of the 46 homes, constructed by multiple contractors, are structurally unsound, with foundations compromised and building codes ignored. Residents like Jack Charlie, who moved into a modest home last year, now contend with leaks, drafts, and mold-conditions that threaten their health and safety.
Many homes lack basic amenities. Without proper sewage systems or reliable electricity, residents resort to jugs for water and endure cold, dark winters in substandard housing. The community’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the increasing demand, exacerbated by the region’s harsh climate.
The Broader Context: Climate Displacement in Alaska
Newtok’s story is not isolated. Similar relocations, such as Isle de Jean Charles in Louisiana, have faced comparable hurdles-delays, funding shortfalls, and community disputes. These projects are often hampered by fragmented federal efforts and a lack of long-term planning, despite the clear and present danger posed by climate change.
Indigenous Yup’ik communities traditionally thrived through nomadic lifestyles, timing their movements with seasonal migrations of birds, fish, and berries. But rising sea levels and thawing permafrost have rendered their ancestral lands uninhabitable, forcing forced relocations that threaten their cultural heritage.
The Need for Coordinated Action and Cultural Sensitivity
Experts warn that the current approach to climate relocation is inadequate. A 2019 study by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated federal agency to oversee these efforts, ensuring consistent funding, technical support, and cultural considerations.
Despite these recommendations, federal agencies have often operated in silos, leading to disjointed efforts. The Denali Commission, tasked with infrastructure support, has stepped back, leaving tribes to navigate complex bureaucratic processes alone. This lack of coordination has resulted in poorly constructed housing, inadequate infrastructure, and unmet community needs.
The Human Stories Behind the Statistics
Residents like Rosemary John and Dionne Kilongak recount the daily struggles of living in temporary, poorly built homes. Water leaks, mold, and cold drafts are common, and residents worry about the long-term sustainability of their new communities. Some have resorted to makeshift repairs, patching up homes with scrap materials, hoping to stave off the inevitable deterioration.
Community leaders express frustration over the lack of clear communication and accountability. Tribal officials report that they are often left out of critical decisions, with some residents unaware of plans to repair or replace their homes. The disconnect between federal agencies and local communities underscores the need for a more inclusive, culturally sensitive approach.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Recommendations
The ongoing crisis in Alaska underscores the importance of a comprehensive, well-funded, and culturally informed strategy for climate displacement. Experts advocate for establishing a dedicated federal agency to coordinate efforts, streamline funding, and incorporate indigenous knowledge into planning.
Furthermore, long-term investments in resilient infrastructure, community engagement, and environmental monitoring are essential. As climate change accelerates, the urgency to act becomes even more pressing-Alaska’s communities are on the front lines, and their stories serve as a stark warning for the nation.
In conclusion, the plight of Newtok and similar Alaskan communities reveals systemic shortcomings in addressing climate-induced displacement. Without coordinated action, adequate funding, and cultural sensitivity, these communities risk becoming permanent victims of climate change-an outcome that demands immediate and sustained attention from policymakers nationwide.
