Newtok: The Water is Rising (2021)

n the remote Indigenous village of Newtok, Alaska, the relentless forces of climate change have set in motion a slow-moving disaster. The documentary film Newtok: The Water is Rising, co-directed by Michael Kirby Smith and Andrew Burton, chronicles the struggle of this community as they grapple with the impending loss of their ancestral land and way of life.

The Plight of Newtok:

• Newtok, home to the Yup’ik people, sits precariously atop rapidly thawing permafrost. The once-distant Ninglick River now encroaches upon the village, eroding its shores and swallowing homes.
• The water is rising, and with it, the very existence of Newtok hangs in the balance. The villagers face an agonizing choice: stay and risk being submerged, or relocate to higher ground.

The Battle for Survival:

• Against this backdrop, the Yup’ik residents embark on a herculean task: relocating their entire village upriver. But this isn’t merely a physical move; it’s a fight for cultural preservation and community continuity.
• The film captures their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to their heritage. They are not just moving houses; they are safeguarding their identity.

America’s First Climate Refugees:

• Newtok’s struggle is emblematic of a larger crisis. As climate change accelerates, coastal communities worldwide face similar challenges. Newtok’s plight resonates far beyond its icy shores.
• The villagers are poised to become some of America’s first climate refugees. Their story compels us to confront the human cost of environmental degradation.

Political Will and Financial Hurdles:

• The documentary underscores the critical role of political will. Newtok’s future hinges on decisions made by those in power. Will they act swiftly to support the relocation efforts?
• The staggering financial burden—estimated at upwards of $300 million—adds another layer of complexity. Funding is scarce, and time is running out.

A Call to Action:

• Newtok: The Water is Rising serves as a wake-up call. It urges us to recognize that climate change isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a reality reshaping lives and landscapes.
• We must rally behind communities like Newtok, advocating for sustainable policies, climate justice, and equitable solutions.

In this poignant documentary, the waters rise not only around Newtok but also within our collective consciousness. It compels us to ask: What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of our planet and its people?