Willow Project: Ölförderung in Alaska und ihre Folgen

We travel to Alaska on August 1 to research the Willow Project. This is a new oil production project by the ConocoPhillips corporation, which was given permission by the Biden administration in March to develop new oil wells - in the middle of the Arctic.

If you've read our Ecuador research for the Süddeutsche Zeitung, you can guess what it's all about, because there are many parallels: Oil production in Alaska has a huge impact on people and the environment. Two Iñupiat villages are directly effected by Willow. The people living there have very different views of the project: while some hope that Willow will open up new perspectives, others fear for their livelihoods.

Above all, we want to tell the story of Willow from the perspective of the indigenous people. But we are also very interested in Alaska's wildlife and the consequences of climate change. A book project is also planned.

For us, it's a matter of the heart that stories like Willow's gain notoriety. If you find our work meaningful and if it is possible for you, please support us with a small amount of money. By doing so, you will help raise awareness about the issues facing Alaska's indigenous people and animals. Of course, we'll be happy to take you along on the journey and keep you updated on everything via Instagram - as often as we can. And there are other ways to support us: tell a friend about us, or gift us a like on our instagram page. Do you know anyone we should talk to? That's great: please message us at forestresearchers[at]gmail.com.

Unfortunately, such elaborate research is rarely supported by editorial offices. Without the start-up funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the project would probably not be possible. However, the grant of 7,000 euros does not cover travel costs. We estimate that we need about twice as much for this. Money that we will most likely not be able to recoup through our work.

Nuiqsut is not easy to reach. First, we have to get our bearings in Anchorage, find informants, gather background information. Then we are to travel from there along the Dalton Highway to the working villages of Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. The highway is the only road connecting the south with the north. Nuiqsut is not connected to any road network. The plan is that we will take a small plane in Deadhorse. We will need good equipment and a fixer to be reasonably prepared for risks.