Irw Argumentative Essay: Alaskan Climate Change

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IRW Argumentative Essay (Alaskan Climate Change) Climate Change is an urgent global crisis, and its effects are particularly affecting Alaska. The effects of climate change are felt most in the Arctic. Warming temperatures are changing the environment and the lives of the natives. In Alaska, the Yupik people and other natives are experiencing the effects of climate change and global warming firsthand. The choices people make as a society deeply affect others, specifically in this case, global warming, and how it affects Alaska and the people that live there. The evidence from the article highlights the need for action and adjustments to better address these impacts. The Arctic is warming very quickly, with temperatures increasing significantly quicker than the global average. This warming of the temperature has led to a big reduction in sea ice, which is crucial for the survival of a lot of Arctic species and the native communities that depend on them. “The amount of Arctic sea ice declined to a record low in November, worn down by the air, seas, and unhelpful wind patterns”(Newsela). This decrease in sea ice not only threatens the …show more content…

The Yupik have dozens of words for different types of sea ice, revealing its importance in their daily lives and cultural heritage. As temperatures increase, many of these words have less use or meaning. “One word that is heard less often these days is ‘tagneghneq,’ which means thick, dark, weathered ice”(Newsela). The disappearance of these terms shows a loss of cultural knowledge and history. Economically, the reduced sea ice causes hunting to be more dangerous and less productive. Vera Metcalf, director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission, highlights the difficulties faced by the hunters: “The window of opportunity for hunting continues to shrink”(Newsela). This forces communities to change in ways that may be unsustainable in the long

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