Shishmaref is one of dozens of villiages in Alaska currently undergoing coastal erosion induced by climate change. Rising global temperatures have caused the sea surrounding Shishmaref to freeze later in the winter and thaw earlier in the spring so that the bed of permafrost supporting the village is melting, causing large chunks of the coastline to plummet into the sea and taking with it houses, sheds, and other structures. In 2002, the village voted to relocate but has since had difficulties securing funding or agreeing on the exact location for the new move.
Add to Lightbox Download