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Some of the greatest observers of climate change are mountain guides. They travel on foot or ski, day after day, year after year, decade after decade, with clients from all around the world sharing their passion for nature. Their profession requires diligence for the safety of not only their clients, but for other outdoor recreations sharing the same mountain meccas. Their intimate knowledge of the mountains is incredibly valuable for observations of climate change.

One particularly seasoned mountain guide named Sergio Gabbio of the Italian Alps has watched the changes in his home region of Alagna. In this episode, Sergio shares his observations and stories as he approaches his 70th Birthday.

Thanks for listening to the Alaska Climate & Aviation Podcast!

Katie Writer

Ktphotowork@gmail.com

https://katiewritergallery.com

https://agingskibum.com

https://montagnadiluce.it

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You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com

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The 20th edition of the Arctic Report Card was released on December 16th, 2025 with an impressive compilation of scientific reports on the Arctic.

Today's conversation is with editor and long-time contributor, Rick Thoman, who is an award winning climate specialist at IARC’s Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness(ACCAP). Rick has attempted retirement more than once, but his passion for all things Arctic and climate fuel numerous newsletters and also news rooms as he is truly an expert on this topic. His positive impacts are felt amongst Arctic peoples and also for being a wonderful liaison between the scientific community and Arctic policy makers.

The Arctic Report Card is an annual report supported by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) with Pan-Arctic perspective and an independent editorial team. The efforts of scientists and climate specialists to create this robust scientific peer reviewed report is in Ricks words, "Herculean"! The amount of work contributed to this scientific document is extremely important in documenting climate change in the Arctic, which is warming at an alarming rate.

Rick discusses highlights that include surface air temperatures and impacts on intensity of storms, including Typhoon Halong, as well as terrestrial snow cover, Greenland Ice Sheet, sea ice, glaciers, marine algae, tundra greenness...all in relatable terminology from complex and hard earned scientific data.

The Report Card is intended for a wide audience, including scientists, teachers, students, decision-makers and the general public interested in the Arctic environment and science. It is encouraged that the Report Card to be utilized and studied, as the scientific community has created it to be an easily read report for the general population to better understand the complexities of the warming Arctic.

Here is the link to the 2025 Arctic Report Card:

https://arctic.noaa.gov/report-card/report-card-2025/

This year held a photo contest for the cover of the Arctic Report Card:

https://globalocean.noaa.gov/2025-arctic-report-card-photo-video-contest/

Here is the full PFD on the 2025 Arctic Report Card.

https://arctic.noaa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ArcticReportCard_full_report2025.pdf

Be sure to visit this year's Arctic Report Card 2025 for all of the in-depth scientific review of the things that have caught attention of this year's events.

Here is the executive summary of the 2025 Arctic Report Card:

https://arctic.noaa.gov/report-card/report-card-2025/executive-summary-2025/

Thank you for listening the the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast!

Katie Writer

journalist/pilot/photographer

ktphotowork@gmail.com

907/863-7669

PS. If you enjoy the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast, become a subscriber. Thanks for tuning in! Click here if you'd like to support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/951223/supporters/new

photo credit: Joana Kristin Steffens~finalist for Arctic Report Card Photo Contest

Support the show

You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com

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Long time contributor and climatologist, Brian Brettschneider, who works for the National Weather Service, provides in depth knowledge on why it was so windy in Palmer and Anchorage, Alaska for several days in a row recently. Brian explains how NOAA plays an important role in forecasting weather for aviation as well as the public on how to be prepared for wind events, cold snaps and winter weather advisories.

There were some record breaking winds at the Ted Steven's International Airport on December 15th, 2025, causing over 17 flights, both cargo and passenger flights, to divert to Fairbanks, Alaska.

In this episode, Brian talks about having emergency preparedness in one's mindset, especially in winter. The next week leading up to Winter Solstice, December 21st, 2025 is expected to continue to be cold with high wind chills. Be sure to pack the car with essentials of boots, warm gloves, extra winter clothing, hat, hand warmers, a head lamp, cell phone charger, sleeping bag, food and a shovel.

Brian can be reached at: Brian.brettschneider@noaa.gov

Thanks for listening to the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast.

Katie Writer

ktphotowork@gmail.com

Support the show

You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com