Story perspectives

Alaska Family Faces Climate Threats to Culture and Wildlife

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

James Schaeffer (7) and Charles Gallahorn (10) play on thawed tundra in Kotzebue, Alaska, showing climate change’s impact on Inupiaq culture.
Roswell Schaeffer, the great-grandfather, fears a new mining road could threaten caribou and salmon habitats and erode cultural identity.
As wildlife declines, the family increasingly relies on store-bought food.
Roswell Schaeffer notes that record rainfall and severe storms have worsened conditions, challenging the passing of hunting traditions.

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Story summary

James Schaeffer (7) and Charles Gallahorn (10) play on thawed tundra in Kotzebue, Alaska, showing climate change’s impact on Inupiaq culture.
Roswell Schaeffer, the great-grandfather, fears a new mining road could threaten caribou and salmon habitats and erode cultural identity.
As wildlife declines, the family increasingly relies on store-bought food.
Roswell Schaeffer notes that record rainfall and severe storms have worsened conditions, challenging the passing of hunting traditions.