By ROBERT SEITZ
I continue to follow climate and energy issues that affect Alaska and its economy. My concern this year is the lack of action by government personnel — whether elected or employed — and by those in private leadership roles. Too few are encouraging Alaskans to take steps that would accelerate programs to add crude oil to our exports, strengthen natural gas reserves for Cook Inlet, and assess climate realities to determine whether Alaska truly faces a climate crisis.
These actions are critical. They would not only increase state revenue, giving Alaska the resources to address major challenges, but also spur long-term economic growth. A clearer understanding of Alaska’s climate is essential, so that oil, gas, and mineral development can proceed without constant threats of court actions tied to greenhouse gas concerns.
I have noted in past commentaries that Arctic sea ice near Alaska—the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering Seas—has been recovering since the low summer ice extent of 2019. In his July 2025 Arctic Sea Ice Update, climate specialist Rick Thoman stated: “The Chukchi and Beaufort Seas really stand out for high ice extent, though the Chukchi Sea extent is slightly lower than the past two years.” Thoman, with 40 years of professional experience in weather and climate, works with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy at UAF’s International Arctic Research Center.
I also reviewed data for the Bering Sea and found that ice was still present on August 5—the first time since 1985 that ice remained this late. For those who doubt my findings, this evidence from a recognized expert further confirms increased ice extent in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, suggesting that claims of extreme Arctic warming may be exaggerated.
My research into sea ice data is part of a broader effort to show that Alaska is not warming two to four times faster than the global average. Yes, the state’s average annual temperature is about 8–9°F warmer than it was more than 40 years ago. But that change is largely due to fewer extreme winter cold spells. Summer temperatures, by contrast, have remained much the same for a century. Although last winter was warm because Arctic Express winds pushed cold air south to Florida and pulled warm, wet Pacific air into Alaska, this summer has been relatively cool, even cold.
The goal of my climate work is to demonstrate that CO₂ emissions from hydrocarbon fuels cannot be driving major warming. Our climate has warmed since the Little Ice Age, but evidence shows warmer periods in human history than today — receding glaciers reveal ancient forests, and Vikings once farmed southern Greenland a thousand years ago. The logical explanation for recent warming is the sun. A modest recovery from Little Ice Age cooling does not guarantee ongoing, runaway warming.
This perspective underpins my opposition to “Net Zero” policies for power generation. Alaska needs energy strategies that are sensible, practical, and affordable. Each community should rely on the resources most available to it. Natural gas is abundant in Cook Inlet and on the North Slope. Remote communities can turn to tidal, river, hydro, or geothermal power, supplemented by wind and solar where practical. Having worked with solar installations for more than 15 years, I support renewable resources when they strengthen, not destabilize, the grid.
Cook Inlet gas remains vital for Southcentral Alaska and the Railbelt. Furie has produced new wells from its offshore platform for the past two years, with plans to continue. Yet output still falls short of utility needs. Utilities want reserves comparable to the North Slope, where injected natural gas supports oil recovery and builds reliable storage. Moving Cook Inlet gas into storage wells requires funding, whether from Enstar through rate adjustments approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, or from AIDEA with legislative support. However structured, Alaska must ensure storage capacity sufficient to guarantee reliable supply for one to two years.
At the same time, Alaska should commit to building the AK LNG project. A pipeline from the North Slope to a processing plant in Nikiski would enable LNG exports, providing significant state revenue. The project would also allow gas “drop-offs” along the route for communities like Fairbanks and Ambler. Once economics align, producers will be motivated to drill more wells, add platforms, mine more minerals, and expand exploration, which would strengthen Alaska’s economy.
Another area of concern is education. I was disappointed by legislators’ lack of support for policies that could strengthen Alaska’s schools. We need a system that prioritizes reading, writing, arithmetic, science, and true American history — the kind that reflects both our nation’s flaws and its progress.
Instead, too many teachers and boards promote Marxism over capitalism, dismiss the Constitution, or treat patriotism as outdated. Simply adding more money will not fix this. Until we return to rigorous instruction and principled teaching, as we had decades ago, we will continue to shortchange students. Poor education discourages families and businesses from relocating to Alaska, while teachers with high standards will choose to work elsewhere.
Alaska must prepare for a more productive and financially secure future. That means ensuring climate concerns do not derail energy development or resource extraction, securing stable natural gas supplies, building major infrastructure like the LNG pipeline, and reforming education. On an individual level, it means building resilience — yes, even by planting a garden and recognizing the benefits of higher CO₂ levels.
Robert Seitz is a professional electrical engineer and lifelong Alaskan.
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