Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

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Open Access Thesis

Abstract

Climate change has intensified hazards such as flooding, erosion, and permafrost thaw in Arctic Communities, threatening small business buildings, disrupting operations, and reducing income. Small businesses are important to these communities because they provide essential goods and services and support local economic activity. Understanding their vulnerability and adaptation needs is therefore important for sustaining communities in the Lower Kuskokwim Basin, Alaska.

This study used GIS spatial analysis and content analysis as its two main methods, supported by a limited number of semi-structured interviews. A spatial database of 78 businesses across seven Alaska Native Communities was developed, and flood susceptibility was assessed using ground elevation and proximity to the Kuskokwim River. Hazard mitigation documents from the Lower Kuskokwim Basin region were analyzed to examine hazard impacts on local businesses, factors contributing to their vulnerability, adaptation strategies, and business inclusion in local hazard mitigation plans. The GIS results classified 63 businesses (80.8%) as having high or very high flood susceptibility. Transportation and supply disruptions were the most frequently identified impacts in the reviewed documents, while supporting interviews highlighted building instability, repeated releveling costs, business closures, and reduced income. Remoteness, transportation dependence, and limited financial resources made adaptation more difficult. Business recognition varied across the reviewed plans. Some included local relocation or flood protection measures, while others mainly acknowledged hazard impacts or referred businesses to external assistance. These findings demonstrate that protecting small businesses requires support for both their buildings and daily operations. The study recommends improved freight storage and transportation support, affordable building adaptation, and direct businessowner participation in developing local hazard mitigation measures.

Year of Submission

2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Geography

First Advisor

Andrey Petrov

Date Original

2026

Object Description

1 PDF file (x, 105 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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