Arctic Watch

Facts About the Arctic

Climate

Planting Trees in the Arctic Could Make Climate Change Worse, Not Better

Not all environments benefit from afforestation, say researchers.

Climate response of the Arctic Ocean during the present interglacial

The role of the Arctic Ocean in the global climate system during the last climatic cycles remains conjectural, but radiocarbon-based chronologies and proxy data provide reliable information about the present interglacial.

Arctic Oscillation and Polar Vortex Analysis and Forecasts

This analysis is intended to provide researchers and practitioners real-time insights on one of North America’s and Europe’s leading drivers for extreme and persistent temperature patterns.

Russia ‘withholding’ vital climate data in the Arctic

Nato has warned that Russia is withholding vital data needed for scientists to model the scale and effects of climate change from the Arctic.

Protecting the Artic sea ice with Arctic Reflections and BlueInvest

Arctic Reflections is on a mission to protect Arctic Sea ice, which functions as a natural heat shield and plays a significant role in cooling the planet.

Declines in plant resilience threaten carbon storage in the Arctic

Rapid warming has impacted the northern ecosystem so significantly that scientists are concerned the region’s vegetation is losing the ability to recover from climate shocks, suggests a new study.

2024 Antarctic sea ice maximum extent finishes at second lowest

On September 19, Antarctic sea ice likely reached its annual maximum extent of 17.16 million square kilometers (6.63 million square miles). The 2024 maximum is the second lowest in the 46-year satellite record above only 2023.

Plants can grow in near-darkness, new research shows

Plants can grow with much less light than previously thought, according to a new study on tiny water-based organisms called microalgae that has been published in Nature Communications.

Marine life could blossom as Arctic sea ice melts away

Continuously hotter summers and less sea ice are remaking the Arctic. Some researchers wonder what opportunities might appear, for plants, animals — and global commerce.

Protecting the Arctic and human health: The hidden potential of black carbon

The Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the rest of the planet. However, it is not just a fragile and beautiful ecosystem.