World leaders already have many options to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and protect people, according to the United Nations report.

The decision caps a decades-long battle over a region that is home to both the world’s largest wild salmon run and one of the world’s largest deposits of copper and gold.

Greenhouse gas emissions provide extreme warming on Svalbard.

A major source of pollution comes from wood-burning stoves. Other sources are vehicle exhaust systems, power plant emissions and heating oil. The air pollution can permanently harm respiratory function and cause other health problems.

Golden Valley Electric Association voted this week to develop a plan to close one of its two coal plants in Healy.