Department of Anthropology Spring 2024 Colloquium Series
Anthropologists Emma Verstraete and Alexandra Zachwieja will deliver the talk "Anthropological Theory and Methods Increase the Accuracy of Projected Cost and Hazard Estimates Due to Climate Change in Alaska" on February 16th, 4 pm, Dinwiddie Hall 103.
Food and Refreshments will be served at 3:45 pm.
Abstract:
As the Arctic warms at four times the rate of the rest of the globe, permafrost thaw induced subsidence has become a major issue in Alaskan communities. Climate change adaptations and permafrost thaw mitigation on infrastructure are expected to cost Alaska between 3-5 billion dollars by 2100. However, these estimates do not account for the importance of rural community infrastructure, instead focusing on traditional roads and bridges. These estimates also do not account for Alaska’s history as a largely isolated and predominantly Indigenous territory. These two factors uniquely impacted the timing of epidemics, availability of resources, and creation of public works-style infrastructure in comparison to the rest of the United States. Here, we intentionally use an anthropological approach to include historical and modern data from archival sources, field survey, and community engagement to identify previously unacknowledged impacts of climate change and permafrost thaw in Alaska. We focus on two specific types of community infrastructure - winter ice trails and cemeteries, that may increase transportation and health hazards for communities in the future. We use Representative Controlled Pathway (RCP) models of projected temperature and permafrost under various emissions scenarios to assess the likely melting timeline of these key sources of community infrastructure, and the inherent risks therein. Results suggest that without reduction of emissions, winter ground temperature will not be supportive of construction of any current winter trails across Alaska by approximately 2070, effectively halting winter access to transportation, healthcare, and goods and services for rural Alaskans. We also find a likely biohazard effect of unknown severity linked to melting historical epidemic graves bound in permafrost as soon as 2030-2035 under RCP 8.5 (current emissions scenario). These results highlight the importance of anthropological theory and methodology in creating accurate projections of climate change in Alaska and emphasize the urgent need to reduce global emissions.
If driving to this event, information on uptown parking rules and regulations can be found here: https://campusservices.tulane.edu/departments/parking/uptown/parking-ru…
Accessibility:
Tulane University is committed to providing universal access to all our events. Please contact Dr. Allison Truitt (atruitt@tulane.edu, 504-862-3058), the event organizer for accessibility accommodations. Please note that advance notice is necessary to arrange some accessibility needs.
