| This dissertation focuses on the lawsuit Kivalina v. ExxonMobil et al. (filed 2008; dismissed and appealed 2009) to look at the political, legal, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of climate change, particularly its effect on the Alaska Natives of Kivalina. Drawing upon participant observation in Kivalina, interviews with residents, lawyers, and government personnel, and analysis of legal and government documents, the dissertation highlights how increasing corporate power and neoliberalization of the state places individuals, particularly vulnerable populations like Kivalina, in danger due to both lack of political and legal access in shaping climate change regulations and the privatization of government assistance. Given that Kivalina's lawsuit was thrown out and the village is still struggling to be relocated, the dissertation concludes that there is a strong need for increased public political access and action to address the many social problems that climate changes are bringing and will continue to bring. |
