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Juneau isn't going to stop global warming, which most scientists now agree is occurring with human help. But this is one case where the old saying "think globally, act locally" resonates loudly. While it appears that a critical mass may be building for policy change in Washington, D.C., it hasn't happened yet. America's leaders have yet to embrace worldwide efforts to restrict carbon emissions. An example like Juneau's, showing how global warming encroaches on the salmon and timber for which the world knows this region, could become a credible call for change.

The Alaska House of Representatives followed Juneau's lead this week, approving a commission to advise communities about dealing with erosion, flooding and permafrost thawing. These are problems that the state faces now and in the near future, and Alaskans need to have a voice in creating a global solution.