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Climate Change Effects on People
Climate Change, Wilderness, Human Relations
RMRS scientists at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute have been cooperating with scientists in
other circumpolar north countries to better understand the forces that protect and threaten human
relationships with wilderness in the Arctic.
Most recently, working under a resolution passed by tribal leadership of the Qikiktagrugmiut
(native Inupiaq) of Kotzebue, Alaska, a science team led by Alan Watson of the Leopold Institute
identified a combination of threats that are changing Inupiaq relationships with the Western Arctic Parklands.
Native Inupiaq believe that wilderness contributes to their identity, maintaining a traditional way of life,
contributes to survival of individuals and families, provides opportunities for personal growth, expression
of humility, and maintenance of mental and physical health, as well as expression of independence
associated with self-sufficiency. These are values not specified in our Wilderness Act, but received
by these people through wilderness protection. They believe these values are threatened most by global
warming and globalization as well as outside pressures imposed by tourists and some federal agency
management actions. More research has been proposed to better understand the role of federal land
managers in protecting these relationships and working with native Inupiaq to anticipate future changes.
Contact Alan Watson
for additional information.
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Congressional Notebook
