Erosion and global warming are threatening not just the traditional way of life of isolated communities but their very existence, writes Antoinette de Jong.
At Sarichef Island's northern edge, Raymond Weyouanna is checking whether his sled dogs have proper shelter. The tide is rising steadily and a fine spray breezes over as the Chuckchi Sea washes across the sandy beach.
A crackling local newscast has issued a storm warning for the Alaskan west coast: "High surf between Wednesday 10am and Thursday 4am."
For the Inupiaq people of Shishmaref, the island's only village, there is an extra warning: "Beach erosion is expected. Buildings and properties should be secured."
Mr Weyouanna takes these warnings very seriously. During an autumn storm in 1997, he fled his home in the middle of the night together with his wife and children. "Someone came pounding on our door at 3am. I first thought it was a drunkard and I was ready to roar!" he said. Afterwards, he was grateful. The waves were coming in so strongly they ate away the coastline beneath his house. The family grabbed some belongings and left. The house toppled and was swallowed by the sea.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/all-at-sea/2008/04/19/1208025550500.html