Arctic chills and messy energy politics await Obama in Alaska

Shrinking glaciers, Arctic temperatures and a mix of messy energy politics await President Barack Obama as he begins his historic trip to Alaska. Obama departs on Monday morning for a three-day tour of the nation’s largest state, closely choreographed to call attention to the ways the president says climate change is already damaging Alaska’s stunning scenery. By showcasing thawing permafrost, melting sea ice and eroding shorelines, he hopes to raise the sense of urgency to deal quickly to slow climate change in the U.S. and overseas. However, his grand declarations on climate change have been met with skepticism. Environmental groups took particular offence at his administration’s move just a few weeks ago to give Royal Dutch Shell a final permit for expanded drilling off Alaska’s north-west coast.

I share people’s concerns about offshore drilling. I remember the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico all too well.

President Barack Obama

Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry are intensely focused on a global climate treaty that nations hope to finalize in December. The president has pledged a U.S. cut in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 28% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and planned to use the Alaska visit to press other nations to commit to similarly ambitious measures. He will be the first sitting president to step foot in the Alaska Arctic, home to Alaska Natives who have received less attention amid Obama’s recent efforts to improve conditions for Native Americans. In a major show of solidarity, Obama announced on the eve of his trip that his administration is changing the name of North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, to Denali, its traditional Athabascan name.

I want to highlight one aspect of Arctic policy that I hope will be at the forefront of the discussion: the people who live in the region, and their need for sustainable economic activity.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Science Obama Alaska