Arctic Watch

Facts About the Arctic

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Arctic exceptionalism is over

Is an Arctic Council without Russia preferable? Absolutely not. But that is a choice that Russia has made, and that the other members have to live with. Today the Arctic Council, the main regional forum of the eight Arctic states,…

Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic

A scientist from the University of Stirling is to lead an investigation into whether global warming is leading to increased carbon emissions from ecosystems in the Arctic. Professor in Ecosystem Ecology Philip Wookey will carry out cutting edge experiments in northern Sweden with…

Northern premiers talk Arctic sovereignty and security at annual forum

Climate change and its effect on global security also major concern at meetings Canada’s territorial leaders say they want a greater role in issues such as climate change mitigation and Arctic sovereignty. At their annual Northern Premiers Forum, which wrapped…

Sami-led project seeks to revitalize Indigenous education across Arctic Europe

It’s a mild winter morning in the Arctic Norwegian town of Alta, but at the Altta Siida kindergarten, it’s a hub of activity. Outside, snowsuit-clad children run and play in the snow. The grounds are dominated by the school’s lavvu, a…

China Wants to Support Norway in Restoring the Arctic Council

“Promoting international cooperation in the Arctic is the way to go. Geopolitical competition and confrontation should not hinder international cooperation in the region. China is paying close attention to Norway taking over the chairship of the Arctic Council next month…

Norway faces backlash from campaigners for ‘reckless’ pursuit of Arctic oil and gas

Norway last year overtook Russia as Europe’s biggest natural gas supplier and says it is now seeking to maintain Europe’s energy security by exploring the Barents Sea for further resources. A spokesperson for Norway’s petroleum and energy ministry told CNBC…

Heatwave hit Europe’s Arctic coast

Few places in Europe were warmer than the Finnmark region on Tuesday. Nyrud in the Pasvik valley measured a peak at 25,3 degrees Celsius, actually higher than the Mediterranean coast of Spain and Italy. The normal chilly winds along the coast…

Montreal Protocol has slowed loss of Arctic sea ice

The Montreal Protocol – which aims to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting gases – has had the unexpected benefit of slowing Arctic sea ice loss, according to new research. In 1987, nearly 200 countries signed the landmark Montreal Protocol, promising to limit…

Scientists discover anti-plastic microbes in the Alps and Arctic

Finding, cultivating, and bioengineering organisms that can digest plastic not only aids in the removal of pollution, but is now also big business. Several microorganisms that can do this have already been found, but when their enzymes that make this…

Thawing permafrost in the Arctic could unlock toxic waste

With rising global temperatures, thawing permafrost is likely to destabilise thousands of industrial sites and linked contaminated areas in the Arctic, which could result in the spread of toxic substances across the region, according to a new study. Nearly 2,100…