Uploaded May 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Newtok is a Yupik village in southwest Alaska that is washing away as the permafrost thaws and the river bank disappears. The entire village is in the process of relocating to higher ground as climate change threatens the health and safety of residents.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center is working with the community to build a demonstration house at the new site - Mertarvik. The house will have super-insulated walls, a moveable foundation on skis, and standalone water and power systems so people can move to the new site before permanent infrastructure is completed.
Newtok is a Yupik village in southwest Alaska that is washing away as the permafrost thaws and the river bank disappears. The entire village is in the process of relocating to higher ground as climate change threatens the health and safety of residents.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center is working with the community to build a demonstration house at the new site - Mertarvik. The house will have super-insulated walls, a moveable foundation on skis, and standalone water and power systems so people can move to the new site before permanent infrastructure is completed.
