Evaluating Food, Energy, and Water Security in Rural Alaska to Strengthen Community Resiliency

Abstract Submission: Rural Alaskan communities face unique challenges in accessing food, energy, and water (FEW) that stem from their geographic location, socio-economic conditions, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. This research aims to identify the key factors impacting rural Alaskan communities’ access to food, water, and energy to address FEW security and community resilience. Community experiences and perspectives were collected through a combination of surveys and interviews across rural Alaskan populations. The surveys gathered community perspectives on access to FEW, while the interviews allowed participants to share their personal stories. The open-ended storytelling approach highlighted intersecting factors that exacerbate barriers to these resources. The findings reveal a deeper understanding of how FEW security intersects with issues such as housing, health, internet access, economic factors, education, and emergency preparedness. These issues, compounded by climate change, emphasize infrastructural vulnerabilities in these areas and make addressing these issues more urgent. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel, supply-chain infrastructure, healthcare, and resource shortages has intensified these issues, disproportionately impacting remote households. By identifying key issues, we aim to support community-driven solutions, enhancing their resilience, emergency preparedness, and connection to resources, particularly as these communities face an ever-increasing risk of flooding.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) :