America's Preparedness Report Card 2015

View Map
B+

Alaska

Alaska Extreme Heat

Alaska's heat threats are different than most other states; the state faces risks from rising high temperatures and also the decrease in freezing temperatures. The state has taken some steps to prepare for its changing heat risks but could still do more.

Bar

For more information on how prepared Alaska is for its growing heat threat, read the detailed state report. 

Is Alaska taking action?

  • Alaska’s Climate Change Strategy: Addressing Impacts in Alaska, a climate change adapation plan, outlines projected changes in temperature and the potential impacts of Alaska's climate threats, and provides recommended actions to address impacts
  • However, there is no evidence the plan was accepted by the state with an implementation plan for recommended actions
  • Alaska's Department of Transportation and Public Facilities have taken some steps to address the impacts of permafrost thaw on state roads

Did you know...

  • According to the National Climate Assessment, more than 80% of Alaska is underlain by permafrost, and temperatures 1 meter below the surface have warmed by 6 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit since the mid-1980s; this trend is projected to persist into the future
  • Over the past 60 years, Alaska has warmed more than twice as fast as the rest of the U.S.