In the closing episode of the Permafrost Thaw season, we hear stories of landscape change that have long-sustained and been observed by Native people in Alaska's Kuskokwim River area. We hear their stories of adaptation, including managed retreat of buildings away from rapidly eroding riverbanks.

We are reminded of ways in which permafrost thaw relates to distant, global populations.

topics and purpose: changes to the land described by the Yup'ik people, and adaptation approaches in present times

terms defined: prevention, adaptation and managed retreat

notes: Connect with Rewiring America! This episode was funded, in part, by a grant from the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources. Permission to use external audio clips was granted by Alaska Public Media and National Public Radio.

In this episode, we learn the Yup'ik term for climate change-induced catastrophic land collapse, which occurs due to permafrost thaw, erosion, and flooding: Usteq.

We hear several definitions of the term, utilized by researchers and the government, and learn how these land changes are impacting communities in Western Alaska, in real-time.

topics and purpose: the long observed changes to the land described by the Yup'ik people, and related stress in present times

terms defined: usteq, land subsidence, divestment

notes: Learn more about climate friendly financial investments at ClimateSmart and get involved in the movement: Stop the Money Pipeline. Here is a link to the Alaska State Hazard Mitigation Plan, and to Dr. Bronen's research about Usteq. This episode was funded, in part, by a grant from the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources.

In this episode, we breathe and feel our human connection to the short carbon cycle. Long-sequestered carbon stores from deep underground -- as oil reservoirs or within frozen permafrost -- are brought to the surface by human activity, and then converted into greenhouse gases. These gases, like CO2 and methane (CH4), float into Earth's atmosphere, circulate, and trap heat -- causing the planet to warm. We have thrown the carbon cycle out of balance.

topics and purpose: how humans participate with the carbon cycle, and how to enact systemic change for a climate-positive future

terms defined: short carbon cycle, long carbon cycle

notes: Join the climate movement and get involved with political mobilization by working or volunteering with organizations like 350.org and Protect Our Winters.