US invests in tackling climate change in Alaska

The US President is investing in tackling climate change and helping remote Alaskan communities. During his visit to the country, Barack Obama said he plans to invest $14 million (£9.2m) […]

The US President is investing in tackling climate change and helping remote Alaskan communities.

During his visit to the country, Barack Obama said he plans to invest $14 million (£9.2m) in one of the projects – introducing a Federal Co-ordinator to help build climate resilience in Alaska.

The Denali Commission – an independent federal agency – will assist communities to the impacts of climate change.

It will serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for matters relating to coastal resilience in Alaska.

It will provide critical utilities, infrastructure and economic support throughout the country with a focus on the country’s remote communities.

The US Government also plans to launch a $4 million (£2.6m) remote Alaskan Communities Energy Efficiency Competition which aims to develop solutions which can advance the use of clean energy and energy efficient solutions.

The President announced a $3 million (£2m) city-led public-private partnership to achieve 99.7% clean energy on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

The island will test a renewable energy powered shipping crane which will enable it to become the first in the world to put flywheel and battery energy storage together to stabilise its variable electric power from wind turbines.

Nearly $16 million (£10.5m) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds will be granted to improve rural Alaska water systems.

The US Government approved Shell’s application to drill in the Arctic which has been criticised by British Actress Emma Thompson.

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