Checks and Balance: Alaska, part two—thin ice

Alaska has an obvious imperative to develop its oil. But climate change is already underway, and the Arctic is warming at nearly four times the global rate. What does our thirst for oil mean for Alaska’s ice?In the second episode of a special two-part series, Charlotte Howard reports from Alaska. John Walsh from the University of Alaska, who tracks melting sea ice, shares his findings.  Climate researcher Sue Natali tells us why thawing permafrost is a particular problem.  Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy explains why he sees some silver linings to climate change. And Peter Winsor from the Alaska Wilderness League makes the case against drilling in the Arctic.You can now find every episode of Checks and Balance in one place and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.