The costly changes occurring in Alaska from climate change have very serious implications for the state, the nation and the world.

We in Alaska are first-hand climate change witnesses. According to temperature data, we are at ground zero. During the last four decades, Alaska has heated more than anywhere in the country. Our annual temperatures have increased 3–5 °F and our winter temperatures have soared 7–10 °F.

Over the last several years, Alaska has experienced record-breaking fire seasons, sea ice melting, glacier retreat, diseases, storms, temperatures, and more. These impacts are discussed in the Impact Analysis paper on this Web Site. I urge you to review it.

What happens if the United States fails to act on climate change? According to a study recently published in the Journal of Climate, if carbon dioxide rises 0.45% a year (the current rate is 0.50%), average temperatures in many parts of northern North America will rise more than 25 degrees by 2100. As one of the scientists involved in this study noted: "The message is not to give up because the changes appear overwhelming, but instead the message should be the longer we wait to do something, the worse the consequences."

For economic, political, moral, health, cultural, ecological and global stability reasons, the United States should lead the world on climate change issues. Among other motivators, many major companies such as British Petroleum have already demonstrated that cutting greenhouse emissions is not only achievable but also very good for the bottom line.

If we fail to act, Baked Alaska would not be just a dessert; it would be a tragedy. Current and future generations deserve much, much better.

The major goal of Alaska Conservation Solutions is to publicize Alaska's climate change plight and work on remedies. Armed with information, we must act now to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions. There is so much at stake.

What’s the most meaningful thing you will do in the year 2010? What will you do to protect your family, community, and the world?

Talk to your friends, family, and elected leaders about the direction our nation and world are moving, and in doing so help expand and strengthen the network of climate change advocates. You will be making a real difference in the world.

Thank you for visiting the website, I hope you find it useful.

Terri Pauls
Project Director
Alaska Conservation Solutions