Arctic Climate Change: Environmental Systems and Impacts

Rick Thoman Jr. serves as a Climate Specialist at the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP) within the International Arctic Research Center, where he has established himself as Alaska's trusted source for climate information after more than 40 years in weather and climate across private, public, and academic sectors. His impact extends through multiple communication channels, including weekly radio spots across Alaska communities, newspaper columns, and social media platforms where he shares critical climate and weather information. His expertise has garnered widespread recognition, with his insights appearing in hundreds of news stories across 20 Alaskan communities, all U.S. states, and 42 countries worldwide. Through various platforms including the Alaska and Arctic Climate Newsletter on Substack, Mastodon posts about Alaska climate and Indigenous cultures, and dedicated Facebook groups, he reaches thousands of followers with tailored weather and climate information. Beyond media engagement, he conducts numerous presentations and webinars annually, including keynotes at major conferences such as the Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference and Alaska Forum on Environment. His dedication to climate science communication earned him recognition from NOAA after his 30-year career with the National Weather Service, highlighting his continued efforts to improve climate services in Alaska.