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Climate change in Alaska: Social workers’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences

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  • Mary Dallas Allen

Abstract

The average temperature in Alaska and the North American Arctic has risen at twice the rate of the global average due to climate change, causing changes to the natural environment that affect the physical, social, and emotional well‐being of people and communities. Social workers must be prepared to respond. Using a non‐probability, convenience sample, this study surveyed 159 social workers in Alaska to assess their attitudes and their perceptions of the effects of climate change on their clients and constituents. Results indicate that social workers in Alaska believe that climate change is happening, that human activities are responsible, and that it is a large threat to people in Alaska. Over 75% believe that climate change is dangerous for their clients now or will be dangerous in 10 years. Social workers report that in the past year their clients or constituents have experienced multiple climate change‐related problems with community infrastructure, health, and mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Dallas Allen, 2020. "Climate change in Alaska: Social workers’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences," International Journal of Social Welfare, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(4), pages 310-320, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:injsow:v:29:y:2020:i:4:p:310-320
    DOI: 10.1111/ijsw.12443
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ford, J.D., 2012. "Indigenous health and climate change," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(7), pages 1260-1266.
    2. Ashlee Cunsolo Willox & Sherilee Harper & James Ford & Victoria Edge & Karen Landman & Karen Houle & Sarah Blake & Charlotte Wolfrey, 2013. "Climate change and mental health: an exploratory case study from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Canada," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 121(2), pages 255-270, November.
    3. Ford, J.D. & Willox, A.C. & Chatwood, S. & Furgal, C. & Harper, S. & Mauro, I. & Pearce, T., 2014. "Adapting to the effects of climate change on inuit health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(S3), pages 9-17.
    4. Patricia Cochran & Orville Huntington & Caleb Pungowiyi & Stanley Tom & F. Chapin & Henry Huntington & Nancy Maynard & Sarah Trainor, 2013. "Indigenous frameworks for observing and responding to climate change in Alaska," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 120(3), pages 557-567, October.
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