In light of Sandy, storm surges, rising sea levels, etc.

[Blue_In_AK]

I'd like to call your attention to the plight of the village of Newtok, Alaska, just one of several Western Alaska villages facing destruction from melting arctic ice, rising sea levels and erosion. I've posted in the "environment" forum links to a very informative series of reports/videos presented by local reporter Rhonda McBride detailing the challenges faced by this small Native village, population 370. The village must move ... but at a cost estimated at $130 million.

As sea levels rise, more and more cities and towns on the coasts in the Lower 48 will no doubt be facing these same sorts of issues but on an infinitely grander scale. Just think about it -- $130 million to move 370 people. How much will it cost to move Miami or New York City? And where?

Just something to think about. It's disturbing that the campaigns won't talk about these very foreseeable scenarios.

Here's the link on Newtok. http://www.democraticunderground.com/112726640

[Marrah_G]

1. Why 130 million for 370 people?

That seems a bit on the high side.

[Blue_In_AK]

3. Western Alaska is extremely remote.

There is no overland transportation from Anchorage or Fairbanks, the population centers in alaska, so all building materials would need to be flown or barged in. They're not only building homes but infrastructure, as well, which entails plumbing , power, etc. etc. Knowing how much things cost even here in "civilized" Alaska, it's easy for me to envision how a move like this could be quite pricy.

[Marrah_G]

5. Ahh okay

I was wondering why some homes couldn't be prefabbed and a new village built for alot less but your post explained it. Perhaps these folks are going to need to look at adding on to an existing community or something like that. I am betting there will be lots of displaces people in the coming decades due to water levels rising. Not everyone will be able to built new towns.

[Speck Tater]

2. K&R It's a good series of short videos.

Coincidentally, I just read about Newtok in the book I'm reading; "Eaarth" by Bill McKibben.

[spanone]

4. k&r...