The long history of environmental migration: Assessing vulnerability construction and obstacles to successful relocation in Shishmaref, Alaska

► We examine a case study of environmental migration in Alaska. ► We examine vulnerability construction and obstacles to successful relocation. ► Colonial histories increase vulnerability to climate change related flooding. ► Federal disaster protocol is unprepared to handle relocation as a strategy for disaster mitigation. ► Communities feel misrepresented in adaptation planning arenas.