John --

Climate change affects everything in Alaska: Where you live, what you eat, how you make your living.

Even the Census -- something we all take for certain -- is now at risk because of climate change.

Throughout the year, many Alaska Natives leave their villages to hunt and fish. Now, as the thaw creeps up earlier due to rising temperatures, the Census Bureau will struggle to provide accurate counts as populations disperse.

And, even without counting complications, the Census Bureau would still reach road blocks. Census workers often travel to villages by snow machines or dog sleds on frozen ground and ice roads; however, once the thaw occurs, they'll be forced to take small planes and boats, further complicating and adding expenses to their travel.

So, John, climate change is not some far-off worry. It's a reality whose impact has implications far-and-wide for us here in Alaska and in the lower 48. We must act now. If you're with us, add your name to the petition and demand effective climate change legislation today.

It might be easy for some politicians to ignore climate change. It might even be easy for some to deny it outright -- but here in Alaska, we don't have the luxury of ignoring or denying what is happening right in our backyards.

Acknowledging that climate change is real is not enough.

We're already too late to solve the issues villages are facing in the 2020 Census.

But, we can make sure climate change doesn't further threaten their traditional way of life when it's time to count again in 2030.

In order to protect our Alaskan way of life, we must demand that our leaders in Washington do something, and do it soon. Sign the petition right now in support of climate change legislation.

Thank you,

DrAlGrossAK.com