Climate Change in North America Village of Shishmaref, North Alaska The effect of global climate change upon Shishmaref is sometimes seen as the most dramatic in the world. The village of Shishmaref in Northern Alaska, which has been inhabited for 400 years, is facing evacuation due to rising temperatures.  These rising temps are causing a reduction in sea ice and a thawing of permafrost along the coast. The reduced sea ice allows higher storm surges to reach shore and thawing permafrost makes the shoreline more vulnerable to erosion. The town's homes, water system and infrastructure are being undermined.  The per capita income for the city was $10,487. About 16.2% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.  The Shishmaref economy is based on subsistence supplemented by part-time wage earnings. Click here to view a photo journal of Shishmaref. Click here for more information on the relocation of Shishmaref Learn More! Click here to learn what you can do to fight global warming Resources on global warming Climate Change and Poverty Climate Change Home