A Synthesis of Climate Adaptation Planning Needs in Alaska Native Communities

This report summarizes the climate adaptation planning efforts of Alaska Native communities through a review of grey literature. In addition to identifying the extent and key components of existing adaptation planning, this report discusses additional issues which contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of planning efforts within Alaska Native communities. This literature review was guided by the five following research questions: (1) What is the current level of tribal climate adaptation planning in Alaska? (2) What are the barriers to tribal climate adaptation planning in Alaska? (3) How is climate science used in tribal climate adaptation plans? (4) How are traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and local observations used in tribal climate adaptation plans? (5) What are the climate science needs related to climate adaptation planning among Alaska Native communities? The findings of this literature review are intended to inform climate adaptation planning efforts in Alaska Native communities. Due to the limited resources and complex network of stakeholders within Alaska, it is crucial that future policy decisions and adaptation strategy development be based on the best possible information. Answering the five defined research questions provides a platform to guide the work of interested agencies, research institutions, and tribal organizations, as well as those who work at the intersection of science and policy” (2).