Permafrost thaw in Alaska is more than an environmental or infrastructure crisis: it is a rapidly escalating public health disaster. Destabilization of essential infrastructure such as water treatment facilities, roads, and healthcare centers exposes rural and Native Alaskans to waterborne diseases and pathogens, food insecurity, respiratory illness, and other mental and physical health hazards. The disruption of critical infrastructure also hampers the delivery of medical services, particularly in remote areas where healthcare access is already scarce.

In honor of World Health Day, join the Belfer Center’s Arctic Initiative for a discussion with environmental science and public health experts on the health impacts of permafrost thaw.