Denali National Park, Alaska

Climate change is happening faster in Alaska than in almost any other place. Residents are already seeing the effects of warming--and none more so than the state's Native residents.

From villages in the Alaskan interior to coastal towns, warming temperatures, melting sea ice, and thawing ground are changing traditional hunting practices, bringing new health threats, and causing never-before-seen changes to the land. In this hour, we'll talk about Alaskans and climate change.

Plus, putting a price tag on climate change. A new study says damage to roads, utilities, and other public infrastructure could cost the state billions of dollars. What should Alaska do to prepare? Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

>>SciFri Extra: Pics from Alaska

Guests:
Fran Ulmer
Former Lieutenant Governor, Alaska (1994-2002)
Former Director, Institute for Social and Economic Research
Interim Chancellor
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska

James Berner, M.D.
Member, U.S. National Committee for the International Polar Year
Senior Director for Science
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Anchorage, Alaska

La'Ona DeWilde
Resident, Huslia, Alaska
Ph.D. Candidate in Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska

Craig Gerlach
Professor, Resilience and Adaptation Program
Professor, Anthropology
Principal Investigator, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment & Policy
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth