I am currently in Alaska between 2 raging fires (Swan Lake Fire, and one near Fairbanks). Temperatures in Denali Park and Anchorage peaked at 86. I casually su

I am currently in Alaska between 2 raging fires (Swan Lake Fire, and one near Fairbanks). Temperatures in Denali Park and Anchorage peaked at 86. I casually surveyed every AK resident I met about their views on climate change and I heard several responses (clearly not scientific). Universally no one denied climate change was occurring. They enumerated examples without qualification. (Less snow, fewer bears, more fires, severe summer heat). I have no data (didn’t ask) about political persuasions. Pretty random sample since we weren’t on touristy cruises...several low paid workers and several college grads: * “climate has been changing since the last ice age, nothing we can do about it” * “it’s been great, we have had so much fun enjoying the lake [water sports, swimming, etc]...it’s really not anything to worry about” * “the lower 48 just likes to get into everybody’s business” * “sure we might be causing it but what the hell, it’s ours to use it [the planet? Resources?] while we can” * “it hasn’t been that bad for more than a couple years so I don’t see why it won’t change back to the way it was or even better” * “yeah it’s been bad, I’m planning to leave” * “too many people that’s what causes it” * “we’ll adapt” Overall having seen AK first hand in 1982, 1992 and now, it is striking how much has changed. Huge amount of development, wildlife much more scarce, pollution EVERYWHERE. Really quite depressing. That said, I have to take lumps for burning fossil fuels to come here, and while driving, so I cant throw stones.