We are hearing much concern of late about the future of Alaska’s economy, as oil production winds down and the Permanent Fund is frittered away to save us from taxation. I speculate, however, that we may soon see at least one new source of economic activity, as “climate refugees” move into our state. As other parts of the world suffer from increasingly common and massive climate disasters, Alaska’s weather changes have been — for the time being — relatively comfortable. I do not mean to minimize the decline in fish populations and the loss of sea ice, and the disappointments of late and rainy summers; however, our experience of climate change has so far not been like the weather catastrophes we read about in other parts of the world.
Therefore it seems plausible that refugees from climate decay may soon flock to the Great Land. But they will be different from the ones we have welcomed so far: Many of them will be very wealthy and will bring money with them. No doubt they will require the same standard of amenities that they are accustomed to. Perhaps they will finance upgrades in our roads, harbors, arts facilities and so forth. They will require workers, groundskeepers, household servants, lawyers, public relations managers and security guards. There could be a significant improvement in our unemployment rate.
Not only do the sciences of climate and economics suggest that this could happen, but it’s even forecast in the Bible in Matthew 3:7b.
— Britton W. Johnston
Anchorage
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