In the face of relentless climate change impacts, the village of Newtok in Alaska stands as one of the earliest examples of environmental displacement. For years, Newtok Alaska residents have been grappling with the devastating effects of climate change on their community, which include rapid erosion, permafrost thaw, and infrastructure collapse. Labelled as the first colony of climate refugees in the United States, this Alaskan community’s situation highlights the harsh realities of climate change devastation and serves as a critical case study for the future.
The residents of Newtok are now moving towards a new beginning in Mertarvik, a safe relocation site free from the immediate threats of climate change. Years of bureaucratic battles and inadequate disaster policy support have not deterred the community’s resolve. This determination to preserve their Native traditions and culture amidst such adversity speaks volumes about their resilience.
Key Takeaways
- In 2021, one in 10 American homes faced significant climate disasters, totaling $57 billion in damage.
- Newtok received a fraction of necessary relocation funding in 2016 from HUD and FEMA.
- In 2019, Newtok completed construction of 21 houses at Mertarvik, yet half the community remains at the old site.
- Typhoon Merbok’s damage led to a federal disaster declaration by President Biden for Newtok.
- The Biden administration allocated $45 million for tribal climate adaptation and $115 million to climate-impacted Indigenous communities.
The Initial Impact of Climate Change on Alaskan Village
The small Yup’ik village of Newtok in Alaska has faced severe challenges due to climate change effects on its infrastructure. As temperatures rose, the permafrost began to thaw and erosion reached catastrophic levels, threatening to decimate homes and essential facilities. Newtok, which has about 380 residents, has had to confront the environmental threats response head-on, with the erosion gnawing away at the land’s integrity.
Climate Change Effects on Newtok’s Infrastructure
The thawing permafrost and accelerated erosion caused by climate change have put a third of Newtok residents at immediate risk. The deterioration of Alaska village infrastructure has necessitated the relocation of around 220 residents to the newly established village of Mertarvik. This move is estimated to cost over $100 million, showcasing the significant financial burden caused by environmental threats.
Community’s Early Responses to Environmental Threats
In the early stages, the community of Newtok grappled with these environmental threats by seeking external assistance and planning collective action. Mismanagement of millions of dollars in grants initially hampered their efforts, but the resilience of the residents remained unwavering. They understood that averting the crisis required not only securing funding but also meticulous planning for relocation to safer grounds in Mertarvik.
Native Traditions and Connection to the Land
Understanding the scope of these climate-induced challenges requires acknowledgment of the profound attachment to the land and the traditional practices of the Yupik people. Native Alaskan culture places immense importance on subsistence hunting and land-based traditions. This deep connection to their environment made the climate change effects more poignant, leading to a strong resolve to protect their way of life amid the impending relocation.
Governmental and Humanitarian Response to the Crisis
The climate crisis has posed unprecedented challenges for the village of Newtok, necessitating a comprehensive and multifaceted response. One of the most tangible efforts came in the form of governmental aid. The US Army Corps of Engineers had long predicted that Newtok would be lost by 2019, prompting initial relocation assistance focusing on basic infrastructure development at the new site of Mertarvik. Despite this, significant humanitarian assistance was delayed due to Newtok’s inability to qualify for official disaster status under existing policies. This highlighted critical inefficiencies in America’s proactive disaster policy framework.
The relocation project for Newtok, which has spanned over 20 years, underscores persistent challenges, including lack of resources and insufficient governmental aid. Construction in rural Alaska is extremely costly. For instance, gasoline prices soared to $5.68 per gallon, exacerbating the financial strain on relocation efforts. Moreover, nine new houses funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act remained incomplete at the start of Alaskan winter due to shipping delays. Despite these hurdles, the collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross and indigenous consortiums like Kawerak, Inc., emphasize a holistic approach to the Newtok migration problem.
The synergy between these entities has broadened the scope of the climate crisis response, particularly in ensuring access to clean water. The Red Cross awarded a $354,000 grant to Kawerak, enabling the installation of water filtration systems to over 3,200 residents in severely impacted villages. This grant aimed to serve vulnerable demographics, including the elderly and families with young children, often deprived of municipal water systems. This initiative symbolizes a more sustainable, long-term solution in line with a genuine proactive disaster policy.
Indeed, Newtok’s school district, serving 130 students, acts as a microcosm reflecting wider systemic issues. With starting salaries for certified teachers at $52,000 — higher than the national average — and 50% of students graduating high school in four years, the district still faces challenges like students lagging in reading and math proficiency tests. These statistics stress the necessity for enduring governmental aid and sustained humanitarian assistance.
Overall, Newtok’s crisis has catalyzed a call for more structured and responsive policies that better cater to communities like this remote Yup’ik tribal population. The urgent need for integrated, holistic efforts from local, state, and international entities cannot be overstated as we navigate the era of climate-induced migrations.
Climate Change Destroyed an Alaska Village. Its Residents Are Starting Over New
The devastation wrought by climate change has forced the residents of Newtok, Alaska, to seek new beginnings. Losing approximately 70 feet of land each year to erosion and melting permafrost has made their current village unsustainable. As climate change refugees, they have focused on rebuilding their lives in Mertarvik, Alaska, determined to start over in a new town.
Mertarvik: The New Village Site
Mertarvik is situated on stable bedrock, promising a secure foundation for rebuilding. This site was chosen not only for its geological stability but also for its potential to sustain the cultural and social fabrics of the community. Strategic planning ensures that the traditions and way of life of the Alaska Native community are preserved in their new home, even amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Construction Efforts and Achievements in 2019
Substantial progress has been made since the relocation efforts kicked off decisively in 2019. That pivotal year saw the completion of 21 new homes, ready to accommodate the first wave of Newtok’s residents. Utilizing modern building techniques suited to the harsh Alaskan climate, these homes are designed to be resilient in facing future environmental challenges. The construction efforts in Mertarvik underscore a community-wide commitment to starting over in a new town where climate change impacts are less severe.
Resident Experiences in the New Village
The move to Mertarvik has not been merely physical—it has been an emotional and cultural transition as well. The residents, now numbering 301, recount stories of resilience and hope. Individuals like Bernice John share their readiness to leave behind compromised dwellings for efficient, resilient homes in Mertarvik. These residents, starting over in a new town, express a sense of relief and optimism as they adapt to their new environment. With plans for improved health facilities, water, and sanitation infrastructure, Mertarvik offers a beacon of hope for other climate change refugees around the world.
| Year | Population | Homes Built | Relocation Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 230 | 21 | $160 million |
| 2023 | 71 | Ongoing | Additional funds sought |
Challenges Faced in the Relocation Effort
The relocation effort from Newtok to Mertarvik has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning relocation funding challenges, resource allocation, and bureaucratic obstacles. These issues have slowed progress and created complex hurdles for the communities involved, highlighting serious climate displacement policy gaps.
Funding and Resource Allocation Issues
One of the primary relocation funding challenges is the sheer cost involved in moving entire communities. Protecting infrastructure in 144 Alaska Native villages from flood, erosion, and permafrost thaw will require an estimated $3.45 billion over the next 50 years. Additionally, $833 million is needed to protect hub communities like Utqiagvik, Nome, and Bethel. These costs illustrate the significant resources required for such relocation efforts. More than half of Newtok’s residents have already moved to Mertarvik, yet housing shortages persist, complicating the resource allocation process.
| Issue | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation Funding Challenges | Lack of timely financial assistance | Delayed migration, prolonged exposure to environmental hazards |
| Resource Allocation | Housing shortages in Mertarvik | More than half of Newtok residents still need to migrate |
| Power Supply | Failed generator in Mertarvik | Students missed several weeks of school |
Bureaucratic Hurdles and Policy Gaps
Bureaucratic obstacles have significantly hindered the relocation process. The inadequate categorization of Newtok’s situation meant that the village did not qualify for essential disaster relief funds, underscoring systemic climate displacement policy gaps. For instance, since January 2023, a catastrophic fire at Newtok Ayaprun school destroyed the generator, causing frozen and broken pipes. This incident left the 25 students displaced from their school for over two years, attending classes in four different locations. Consequently, many have missed significant portions of their education, with over 80 kids across Newtok and Mertarvik missing school for most of March.
Climate displacement policy gaps become more evident as 31 other Alaskan communities face similar threats, with nearly half planning or considering relocation. Shaping effective policies to distinguish climate migration from other displacement types remains critical for timely support and efficient resource allocation.
“The key to successfully managing relocation funding challenges and bureaucratic obstacles lies in early problem identification and tailored responses from governmental bodies.”
Community Resilience and Adaptation
As the relentless force of climate change reshapes the Alaskan Arctic, the community of Newtok exemplifies outstanding resilience. The residents of Newtok, faced with daunting environmental challenges such as severe erosion and thawing permafrost, have embarked on a remarkable journey of climate change adaptation. Their decision to relocate to Mertarvik marks a significant step in their recovery, highlighting their determination to protect their way of life despite the adversities posed by their ever-changing surroundings.
Over the past 60 years, the Alaskan Arctic has warmed at twice the rate of the rest of the United States, dramatically affecting Indigenous communities. In 2003, a U.S. Government study found that 86 percent of Alaska’s Indigenous villages, totaling 184 villages, were impacted by rising seas. With 70 feet of land erosion per year, Newtok’s need to move was dire. The relocation effort, estimated to cost $100 million, underscores the community’s resilience and persistence amidst severe climate-induced threats.
The experiences of Newtok serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for other communities facing similar fates. Programs like the Building Adaptive and Resilient Communities (BARC) initiative, although limited in scale, offer essential services such as community risk assessments and planning support. Moreover, federal assistance from various agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Housing and Urban Development, plays a critical role in Alaska village recovery and environmental displacement resilience. By embracing adaptive strategies and leveraging available resources, communities like Newtok demonstrate that resilience is not just an option but a necessary path to navigate the uncertain future wrought by climate change.