Alaska and Hawaii

Hawaii's Last Sugar Harvest Paves Way For A Fight On The Land's Future

"For more than 150 years, the big agricultural corporations that produce sugar have been top dogs in the island’s economic life and its political governance. As the industry winds down, a new generation of activists are dreaming big of replacing sugar not only with a new agricultural model but also a new political settlement."

Source: Guardian, 04/29/2016

"Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death: The Disease That's Killing Native Hawaiian Trees"

"Deep in the forests of Hawaii, a native tree called 'ōhi'a reigns king. The tall canopy tree dominates the island's forests, especially on the Big Island. 'Ōhi'a makes up approximately 80 percent of Hawaii's native forests and more than half of 'ōhi'a grows on Hawaii Island.Often the first plant to grow from a fresh lava flow, 'Ōhi'a is known for its resilience. That's what makes a recent discovery all the more tragic: 'ōhi'a is dying."

Source: NPR, 04/08/2016

A New Titanic? US, Canada Prepare For Worst As Posh Arctic Cruise Sails

"On 13 April, coast guard officials from the US and Canada will train for a cruise ship catastrophe: a mass rescue from a luxury liner on its maiden voyage through the remote and deathly cold waters between the Northwest Passage and the Bering Strait."

Source: Guardian, 03/29/2016

"Judge: EPA ‘Improperly’ Withheld Alaska Mining Documents"

"A federal judge has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to give the court documents related to its consideration of a controversial mining project in Alaska, ruling he has “no confidence” in the agency’s ability to decide which documents should become public following an open records request."

Source: The Hill, 03/23/2016

As Climate Heats Up, Arctic Residents Struggle To Keep Their Homes

"In the spring, after the permafrost thaws and the ground settles, Wilson Andrew Sr takes a wrench to the metal pilings that hold up the foundation of his house in Atmautluak, Alaska, and makes it level again. He cranks the screws until the foundation flattens out, level with the ground. At least for now."

Source: Guardian, 03/16/2016

Snow-Starved Anchorage Has To Haul Snow In By Train For Iditarod Start

"How weird has Anchorage's weather been this winter? Weird enough that an Alaska Railroad spokesman said Monday that a train will deliver seven rail cars loaded with snow to the state's largest city this week in time for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ceremonial start on Saturday."

Source: Alaska Dispatch News, 03/02/2016

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