Examining Arctic Climate Adaptation Plans Through an Intersectional Lens: A Case of Alaska

Abstract The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change that is intensifying and demands urgent attention. Changing climate also exacerbates social vulnerabilities, particularly among the Indigenous Peoples and other groups that are facing climate injustice. Climate adaptation plays a critical role in responding to these challenges, and many Indigenous communities have developed their own adaptation plans, positioning themselves as active agents in addressing climate change. However, climate adaptation plans should also empower the diverse communities they are intended to serve. This paper examines whether Arctic climate adaptation literature and community climate adaptation plans address intersectional factors such as gender, disability, age, socioeconomic disparities, Indigenous rights and knowledge, and community participation and governance. Using a systematic literature review and thematic analysis framework, the study analyzes 15 peer-reviewed articles and 23 Alaska climate adaptation plans, with detailed case studies of Anchorage and Fairbanks. The findings reveal that academic literature strongly advocates an intersectional approach to climate adaptation strategies and planning. In practice, however, while Indigenous Knowledge and community participation are increasingly recognized, most adaptation plans rely on single-variable approaches and inadequately address intersecting forms of vulnerability. Gender equity, disability inclusion, and the experiences of other marginalized groups remain particularly underrepresented. The study therefore calls for the adoption of an intersectional approach to develop more equitable, inclusive, and effective climate adaptation strategies in the Arctic.