Faced With Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Erosion, an Alaskan Village Votes to Relocate

"The residents of a small coastal Alaskan village have voted to move to the mainland because of rising sea levels, but they may not have the funds to do it," according to an article by Amanda Holpuch.

"The 600-person village of Shishmaref, located on an island just north of the Bering Strait, has for decades been ravaged by erosion tied to climate change, leading residents to seek a more sustainable place to live," adds Holpuch.

The decision follows a special election held earlier this week. Of the 600 residents, 89 voted to relocate, and 78 voted to remain. One large, remaining hurdle for relocating: the cost. A 2004 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report estimated a cost of $180 million to move the town. The same report also estimated a cost of $110 million to build the necessary infrastructure for the town to stay where it is.

Holpuch also reports that the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates that 31 villages face "imminent threats" from flooding and coastal erosion. Shishmaref is the first to decide to relocate. In February, however, a group of Native Americans in Louisiana become the country's first climate refugees.