The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, and Alaska sits at the heart of this rapid change. In this talk, we will show how scientists at the Alaska Climate Research Center and Hyperspectral Imaging Laboratory are observing and understanding these transformations.

We will highlight the use of advanced measurements and AI to monitor indicators and consequences of climate warming, such as harmful algal blooms, changes in snow and ice reflectivity and wildfire fuel distribution. In addition, these technologies can also be used to map critical mineral deposits that support Alaska’s economy.

Together, these efforts help detect environmental change earlier, improve forecasting, reduce risk and support informed decisions for Alaska’s communities, ecosystems and industries. By observing these rapid changes, Alaska serves as a natural laboratory for understanding how the Arctic system is responding to a warming world.

Want to join virtually instead? Register on Zoom or watch live from the UAF Geophysical Institute Facebook page. You can also join the 2026 event on Facebook for updates.

Learn more about Science for Alaska talks: https://www.gi.alaska.edu/scienceforalaska