"Obama Administration Looking for ‘Balance’ in Arctic Policy"

"FAIRBANKS — President Barack Obama will arrive today in Alaska, expected to touch down this afternoon in Anchorage, and his three-day visit will showcase the impacts of global climate change on Alaskans, primarily those in coastal communities.

But at the same time as the president is expected to roll out initiatives to help communities cope with receding sea ice and coastal erosion, the administration is also eyeing opportunity in the Arctic.

Obama’s visit also comes on the heels of his highly controversial decision to allow Shell to begin Arctic drilling in the Chukchi Sea.

Even the agenda of the State Department-sponsored GLACIER conference, where Obama will deliver the closing address, reflects that. One half of sessions will be about coping with climate change, while the others discuss expanding fisheries and the need for search and rescue."

Matt Buxton reports for the Fairbanks News-Miner August 30, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Kerry: Alaska Trip, GLACIER Conference Show Obama's Commitment To Arctic" (Alaska Dispatch News)