Nome, Alaska, located on the southern edge of the Seward Peninsula along the Bering Sea, is a coastal town with a population of 3,500. As the only regional hub capable of supporting public services and economic activities in Northwest Alaska, Nome plays a crucial role, supported by the region's sole port for bulk cargo and fuel. However, this remote community faces significant environmental challenges due to climate change, primarily from thawing permafrost and thinning sea ice.

In recent decades, Nome has observed a 2°C increase in permafrost temperatures, which has profoundly impacted its infrastructure. Buildings, traditionally elevated on stilts to prevent heat transfer and preserve the permafrost, now require frequent repairs to address issues like sinking and the formation of sinkholes. The stability of fuel storage tanks and the integrity of water and wastewater systems are increasingly threatened, while roads suffer from severe undulations, reducing their lifespan and necessitating costly, ongoing repairs.

The thinning of sea ice, another critical challenge, has led to a shift from thick, multi-year ice to fragile, first-year ice that fails to protect the coastline from storm surges and flooding. This has increased coastal erosion and poses significant risks during the extended ice-free seasons. The diminished ice coverage leaves Nome more exposed to the elements, exacerbating erosion and making the ice itself a hazard when lifted by surges.