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We all know Alaska is "ground zero" for global warming. But you may be surprised at how it's already affecting us. The I-Team has been investigating.
Quite a few people like to hunt caribou in Alaska, but the I-Team has learned they may be in danger. It's thought global warming is causing more forest fires in Alaska. The fires destroy the lichen that the caribou eat.
Scientists say caribou won't go back to a forest to eat for 50 to 60 years after a fire. Meanwhile, there is a lot of concern about what global warming is going to do to all the buildings and roads that have been built on permafrost.
One UAA economist says construction crews may have to incorporate methods used by those who built the oil pipeline.
"The oil that comes through the pipeline is warmer than the soil anyway. And so they designed the pipeline in a way to be able to withstand a certain degree of thawing permafrost," said UAA Resource Economist, Peter Larsen.
Larsen says dealing with the effects of global warming over the next couple of decades will cost Alaska four to six billion dollars.
Global warming is already affecting people in Alaska, too. Tonight at ten, we'll hear how some Alaska Natives are noticing changes in their way of life.
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If you have a story for the I-Team that you want me to look into, you can call the I-Team hotline number at 273-3111.
