Arctic Watch

Facts About the Arctic

Analysis

Facts About the Arctic in June 2025

After a 100k “break” yesterday JAXA/ViSHOP extent is currently in a tie with 2024 for 4th lowest for the date, and still slightly below 2012.

Then Again: Art, Architecture, Astronomy and the Arctic — A Vermonter’s curious career

People just kept recognizing Russell Porter’s genius and offering him jobs.

Arctic predicted to warm more than three times faster than global average: WMO report

Rapidly warming Arctic temperatures are having profound effects on global weather patterns and ecosystems, contributing significantly to the loss of sea ice.

Tensions rise as superpowers scrap for a piece of the Arctic

China might not instinctively spring to mind when you think about the Arctic – but it’s determined to be a big Arctic player.

Polar bear biopsies to shed light on Arctic pollutants

With one foot braced on the helicopter’s landing skid, a veterinarian lifted his air rifle, took aim and fired a tranquiliser dart at a polar bear.

The Northwest Passage in 2025

I’m opening the 2025 Northwest Passage thread earlier than usual, because of some news you can read if you scroll down.

The Son of Climate: The Movie

Fresh from his enlightening “debate” with Peter Hadfield about the numerous errors in Climate

Trump’s Climate Cuts Affect the NSIDC

I frequently post a summary of the Arctic section of the United States’ National Snow and Ice Data Center’s monthly review of the current state of the cryosphere. Here is the most recent edition.

Major changes in biodiversity in the Arctic

A major study in Nature with researchers from the University of Gothenburg shows large local differences in which species are favoured, and which are outcompeted due to climate change.