We've seen drastic effects of climate change in Arctic and Subarctic continents however there's something good that has come out from it especially in Alaska where they had a hard time with climate change. Some Alaskans like farmer Tim Meyers has taken advantage the warming temperature to grow food in previously inhabitable tundra.
A town in south western Alaska, Tim Meyers has seen opportunity in the rising temperature. According to NPR, the 15-acre organic farm has been operating for more than 10 years now. Meyers is said to grow crops like strawberries in green houses however since the temperature has become warmer because of climate change, growing crops right on the ground like potatoes, cabbages and kale have become easier.
"Years ago, it was hard freeze and below zero up to the third week in May," he says. "We haven't had any of that this winter."
The potato harvest is reported to be underway at this Bethel farm. These are some of the only commercially-produced vegetables in the south western part of the Alaska region which is about the size of Oregon.
"I hate to say that but I guess I'm taking advantage of the fact that it is getting warmer," he says.
Working the tundra has been tough. It involves ploughing swampy bogs full of silty soil however he has since adapted to farming in the subarctic. He's even made his own homemade fermented fish fertilizer.
In 2014, it's been recorded to be the year as the warmest in Alaska. According to Rick Thoman, climatologist with National Weather Service, this will become a trend.
"What the last century of weather observations and climate observations in Alaska are telling us is that over the last couple of decades it's been significantly warmer over most of Alaska than it was during the middle and later part of the 20th Century," Thoman says.
The long-term average temperature for Bethel for a year had been 29 degrees but in 2014, it dropped to nearly 35 degrees. The difference may not be much however it's significant since it now allows more things to grow outside.
This is good news in Alaska where food insecurity is real. Most rely on expensive imports but this time around, residents can expect fresher and better produce.
"In my mind, there's no end to the potential," he says. "I mean it's obvious we can grow a tremendous amount of food."
It is good that Alaska can now grow more organic food in otherwise inhospitable environment. Meyers hopes to double their produce next year.
