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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Anchorage rewrites wildfire protection plan for the first time since 2007
In the face of changing climate, an updated planning tool will act as Anchorage's guide to preparing for and living with increased wildfire risk. A public comment period is open until Nov. 30.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

What we know about recovery, a month after ex-Typhoon Halong
With resources spread out over thousands of miles and dozens of communities, KYUK has tried to summarize what we know and don't know about the impact of the storm.
Kwigillingok, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Alaska bottom trawlers face renewed scrutiny amid halibut decline
To reduce their unintended take of halibut, vessels in the bottom trawl fleet have an escape hatch in their nets that allows some of the larger halibut to swim free.
Dutch Harbor, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Water crisis threatens Iran’s stability and global standing, UN expert warns
Iran’s worsening water crisis, described by a top United Nations environmental expert as a state of “water bankruptcy,” risks crippling the country’s infrastructure, undermining its stability, and weakening its influence internationally.
Tehran, Tehrān, Iran

Halong cleanup includes oil spill response as state prepares for evacuees’ return
More than 120 responders are cleaning up oil and gas spills and restoring western Alaska communities after former Typhoon Halong’s storm-surge flooding. The U.S. Coast Guard and partners are recovering fuels and staging safe storage sites as winter conditions and limited daylight complicate work.
Kipnuk, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

'The devastation is quite shocking' – Fallen trees in Inverness woodland still blocking major walking and cycling route
Storm damage has left multiple trees blocking paths in Cullaird Wood on the outskirts of Inverness, obstructing a key section of the South Loch Ness Trail. Highland Council says it is seeking an arrangement with the landowner’s agents to clear the routes after recent storms Floris and Amy.
Inverness, Highland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Caution urged due to avalanche danger in Southwest Iceland
Heavy snowfall on Southwest Iceland has led the Icelandic Meteorological Office to raise the regional avalanche forecast to orange (considerable). People in the Reykjavík area are urged to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees, especially SW-facing slopes where wind slabs may form.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

Kipnuk teachers rescue dogs stranded after Typhoon Halong
Teachers in Kipnuk, Alaska rescued dogs that were stranded following impacts from Typhoon Halong. The video report highlights the community response after the storm.
Kipnuk, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source (KTUU-TV)

Drenched insulation, muddy floors and broken heaters: Western Alaska villages race to clean up after the storm
Communities such as Tuntutuliak and Napakiak are working to get homes and infrastructure ready for winter after the destruction caused by ex-Typhoon Halong.
Tuntutuliak, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

In the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, faces reveal themselves on a beach in Southwest Alaska
Typhoon Halong’s storm surge eroded the Nunalleq archaeological site near Quinhagak, exposing and scattering centuries-old Yup’ik artifacts along the Bering Sea coast. Local residents and archaeologists rushed to recover figurines, mask pieces, and other items as permafrost thaw and coastal erosion accelerate losses.
Quinhagak, Alaska, United States

Extreme avalanche seasons can spur major mountain goat population declines
New research finds that mountain goat populations require 11 years – or 1.5 generations – to recover from more extreme avalanche years.
Klukwan, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Alaska Native leaders call for a unified management approach for subsistence resources
Representatives from several Indigenous-led organizations discussed co-management strategies at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention panel.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

An ‘orchestra from Hell’: A firsthand account of the Halong flood
A displaced survivor from Kwigillingok tells his story.
Kwigillingok, Alaska, United States
Northern Journal

Anchorage city leaders declare local disaster to assist hundreds displaced by Western Alaska storms
Anchorage extended a local disaster declaration to support evacuees from Typhoon Halong’s flooding in Western Alaska, opening two city shelters and preparing for up to 1,600 arrivals. Schools and nonprofits are mobilizing, with significant donated funds set to be distributed soon.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Flood evacuees get ready to spend the winter in Anchorage
The American Red Cross of Alaska is preparing to support up to 2,000 flood evacuees through the winter in Anchorage, operating shelters as residents from hard-hit Western Alaska villages continue arriving. Evacuees describe gratitude for aid and concerns about adapting to big-city life.
Alaska's News Source

Ex-typhoon Halong peeled back as much as 60 feet from Quinhagak's shoreline
Remnants of Typhoon Halong caused severe coastal erosion in Quinhagak, Alaska, stripping up to 60 feet of shoreline, flooding parts of town, and pushing boats into riverside trees. The storm imperiled the community’s sewage lagoon and scattered priceless artifacts from the Nunalleq archaeological site along the beach.
Quinhagak, Alaska, United States

The disappearance of cranes, the appearance of walruses, the counting of ravines and the neighborhood with hungry bears - Beringia National Park told about the results of the field season
The field season at Beringia National Park revealed unusual environmental changes, including the disappearance of cranes, the unexpected appearance of walruses, and increased bear activity near human settlements, highlighting significant shifts in local wildlife patterns.
Arakamchechen Island, Chukotka, Russia

Unalakleet shelters dozens of Shaktoolik residents as ex-typhoon sweeps Norton Sound
As the remnants of Typhoon Halong drove flooding and 69 mph winds across Norton Sound, Unalakleet sheltered 88 evacuees from nearby Shaktoolik and moved elders to higher ground. Minor structural damage was reported in Shaktoolik, and flights began returning residents after the storm passed.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Officials say storm 'completely devastated' Western Alaska communities
Remnants of Typhoon Halong drove record storm surge and hurricane-force winds into Western Alaska, devastating Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta villages like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Officials report dozens of homes destroyed, mass rescues, widespread outages, and at least one death, with many residents sheltering and recovery efforts underway.
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, United States

Governor declares disaster in western Alaska, second storm incoming
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster for western Alaska after an Oct. 8 storm brought flooding and storm surge that damaged homes and infrastructure, prompting a temporary evacuation in Kotzebue. Officials warn another, potentially stronger storm tied to the remnants of Typhoon Halong could bring 70–80 mph winds and further coastal impacts.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Region weathers storm with some flooding, prepares for upcoming storm on the weekend
A powerful coastal storm brought flooding and damaging winds to western Alaska on Oct. 8, with severe flooding and evacuations in Kotzebue and high water reported across the Bering Strait/Norton Sound region. Communities are now preparing for a larger storm expected over the weekend, with state emergency operations activated.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget
Diana Haecker and Ariana Crockett O’Harra

How 'Amy' Ravaged Norway
Extreme weather 'Amy' brought destructive winds and flooding across Norway, damaging buildings and vehicles, causing landslides, and knocking out power to tens of thousands. Insurance firms received thousands of damage reports as cleanup began across multiple regions.
Bergen, Vestland, Norway
NRK

When permafrost thaw turns Arctic Alaska river red, toxicity levels rise, scientists find
A study of the “rusting” Salmon River and its tributaries in Kobuk Valley National Park suggests that permafrost thaw is causing wider ecological problems.
Kobuk, Alaska, United States

Calling lost chickadees in far-north poplars
The gray-headed chickadee was last heard in Alaska in 2018 and encroaching beavers may diminish what was the birds’ natural habitat.
Toolik Field Station, Alaska

School closed due to quick clay risk
Tverrelvdalen School in Alta, Finnmark, closed on Thursday due to concerns about underlying quick clay. The municipality notified students and parents about the precautionary closure.
Alta, Finnmark, Norway
iFinnmark

Alaska had its first heat advisory this summer.
This summer, Alaska experienced an unprecedented heat advisory in Juneau and Fairbanks, marking a significant and unusual shift in its typically cold climate.

Whether Alaska's wetter weather is a 'regime shift' is... up in the air
The increased statewide precipitation is despite places like Anchorage and -- if you can believe it -- Southeast Alaska being slightly drier than normal this summer.

Management of the Alta River criticized: 'It stinks everywhere'
Large numbers of post‑spawning pink salmon are rotting along the Alta River in Finnmark, causing strong odors and anger among anglers. Critics say the river lacked an effective trap in 2025, while managers and authorities cite technical challenges and are using netting and clean‑ups as interim measures.
Alta, Finnmark, Norway
NRK
Christina Gjertsen; André Bendixen; Iselin Bonesvoll

Serious outbreak of avian influenza in the north
An H5N1 avian influenza outbreak is affecting gulls across Northern Norway, with detections in multiple Troms and Nordland municipalities. Authorities warn mortality may be undercounted and urge reporting of sick or dead birds and strict biosecurity for poultry.
Troms and Nordland, Norway
NRK

Alaska was lucky to avoid disaster after a landslide and tsunami. What about next time?
The close call in Tracy Arm 50 miles south of Juneau on 10 August is the latest sign that as glaciers melt, risks may rise
Tracy Arm
the Guardian

Bamfield still in the dark as full extent of damage to BC Hydro systems from Mount Underwood fire unknown
BC Hydro crews have begun assessing damage to power infrastructure in Bamfield following the Mount Underwood wildfire, but the full extent remains unknown as the fire zone is still unsafe to enter.
Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

New Geothermal Field Found Beneath Vatnajökull
A high-temperature geothermal field has been discovered under the thinning ice of Vatnajökull’s Esjufjöll mountains, revealed by historical aerial images reviewed by geologist Jón Viðar Sigurðsson.
Esjufjöll, Austurland, Iceland
Iceland Review

Damage to low-lying homes and bridge reported in wake of Juneau’s record glacial outburst
Authorities are still taking stock of Mendenhall River flooding, but new temporary riverfront barriers appear to have staved off the kind of severe damage seen in 2024.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Researchers Are Using Catfish to Combat Sea Urchins
Researchers have relocated 20 Atlantic catfish to artificial kelp forest units in Melkøy Sound, Northern Norway, to test if reintroducing sea urchin predators can help restore kelp forests overgrazed by booming sea urchin populations.
Melkøy Sound, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
High North News

Heatwave hit Finland's cucumber production, shortage to ease soon
A prolonged heatwave this summer reduced greenhouse cucumber yields in Finland—particularly in Närpes and Seinäjoki—leading to empty shelves nationally, though supply is expected to normalize by early September.
Närpes, Ostrobothnia, Finland
Yle News

Rankin Inlet outdoorsman notices changing caribou behaviour
Mike Shouldice of Rankin Inlet reports this summer’s caribou migration patterns have shifted, with far fewer animals passing through traditional routes and fewer visible signs such as hanging skins.
Rankin Inlet, Kivalliq, Nunavut, Canada
NNSL Media

Investigation concludes but mystery remains over mass seal death off Finland's south coast
An investigation into about 20 seals found dead along Finland’s southeastern coast in late July has ended inconclusively after an autopsy failed to determine the cause or timing of death.
Porvoo and Loviisa, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle News

N.S. crops withering in dry conditions, hitting farmers in the pocketbook
A Pictou County farmer reports that many crops have failed after an irrigation pond and well dried up amid a prolonged dry spell, costing producers thousands in lost sales.
Westville, Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC News

Alaska's wood bison restoration expands with a new herd in the Interior
The herd has grown by about 23% since 2015, but it hasn't been easy. Many animals were lost in a series of hard, wet winters. Rain-on-snow events have become more common in the Interior.
Minto, Alaska, United States

Gardeners, Academic at Odds on How to Best Deal with Growing Japanese Beetle Population
Japanese beetles are aggressively feeding on ornamental and edible plants in the Halifax area, prompting debate between experts who recommend labor-intensive hand removal and gardeners using pheromone traps that may attract more beetles.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
CBC News

Tick observations double compared to last year – permanent tick population established in Rovaniemi
Tick observations in Lapland have doubled year-on-year, and a University of Turku study reports that a stable tick population is now established in Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Lapin Kansa

In Photos: The Aftermath of the Historic Earthquake in Russia's Far East
Photos show flooding and structural damage in Severo-Kurilsk and Kamchatka after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami struck Russia’s Far East on July 30, 2025.
Kamchatka Peninsula, Kamchatka Krai, Russia
The Moscow Times

More Torbay homes show high PFAS levels in water after summer retesting, lawyer calls for hydrogeological study
Retesting of private wells in Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador found more homes above the 30 ng/L PFAS limit, prompting calls for a full hydrogeological study of groundwater contamination linked to firefighting foam from St. John’s International Airport.
Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
SaltWire

Pink salmon trap 'closes' river in Nord-Troms
Reisa Elvelag has installed the country’s largest floating grate trap across the Reisa River in Nordreisa, blocking the river on July 26 and capturing 30 pink salmon within hours.
Nordreisa, Troms og Finnmark, Norway

Shrimp catches have fallen significantly
Shrimp biomass in Greenland has declined significantly over the past two years, prompting major fishing companies and the fisheries organization QAK to call for industry adaptations.
Nuuk, Sermersooq, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Dead cod found in Iqaluit were likely trapped by low tide
Hundreds of cod were found dead near Iqaluit’s deepsea port after likely being trapped at low tide, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Toxin associated with amnesic shellfish poisoning not detected in Kachemak Bay mussels
Alaska DEC tests of mussels from Kachemak Bay found no domoic acid toxin associated with amnesic shellfish poisoning, though mussels can quickly expel the toxin so its presence in other species remains uncertain.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Glaciers melting quicker as N.W.T. copes with record low waters
A UNBC study finds glaciers feeding the Slave River watershed are melting twice as fast as a decade ago, contributing to record low water levels in Northwest Territories rivers, while GNWT officials expect short-term stability from snowmelt and summer rains.
Northwest Territories, Canada
Yukon News

After Chernobyl – new measurements of radioactive fish
The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority returns to Vittersjön near Ockelbo to conduct updated measurements of radioactivity in fish 35 years after Chernobyl, urging anglers to submit summer catches for analysis.
Ockelbo, Gävleborg, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

June salmon harvest in the southern Alaska Peninsula was the worst in decades
Sockeye salmon, the primary target species, came in at under half a million fish last month. That's less than a third of the 10-year average. Meanwhile, Fish and Game is putting more restrictions on the fishery.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States

Severe hailstorm sweeps through Calgary
A severe hailstorm in Calgary on July 13, 2025, caused $92 million in insured damage, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of such events in Alberta's "Hail Belt" and underscoring the need for improved risk management and climate resilience strategies.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Paralytic shellfish poisoning moves beyond Alaska’s shoreline
Researchers are finding the poisonous toxin throughout the year, and in animals away from the ocean.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States
KUCB

Tick found on the Avalon tests positive for Lyme disease, but province says risk for residents remains low
A tick found on the Avalon Peninsula tested positive for Lyme disease, but provincial health authorities say the risk to residents remains low.
Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
PNI Atlantic News

Catches of salmon in Chukotka exceed the indicators of previous years
Salmon catches in Chukotka have significantly surpassed previous years' records, with a notable increase of 64.5% compared to 2023, highlighting an unexpected abundance in the region's fishery.
Anadyr, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
prochukotku.ru

Ottawa spends $3.2M to protect Gilford Island village from erosion, flooding
The Village of Gwa’yas’dums on Gilford Island will receive over $3.2 million from the Canadian federal government to reinforce its shoreline against climate-driven erosion and coastal flooding.
Village of Gwa’yas’dums, Gilford Island, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Wild orcas have been trying to feed people, new research shows
On more than 30 occasions and across four oceans, orcas have attempted to share their prey with people, potentially to develop relationships with humans, researchers have found.
Seattle, Washington, United States

State disaster declared for destructive wildfires in Denali Borough
Areas north of Healy remained under evacuation orders though fire activity slowed since flaring to life last week. Evacuation alerts in several areas north of Fairbanks were reduced Thursday.
Healy, Alaska, United States

Lemmings - Little Tundra Conductors
Wrangel Island is an Arctic ark, home to two unique species of endemic lemmings. The success of the season for many other inhabitants of the harsh region depends on the lemmings. In years of high numbers, they eat up to 80% of the plant biomass, radically changing the appearance of the landscape.
Wrangel Island, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Federal government will allow more harm to polar bears near oil facilities
A new rule, scheduled to take effect Thursday, follows a series of lawsuits brought by environmental groups claiming that the federal government failed to adequately justify prior rules that allowed lower levels of harassment.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

New Trap to Stop Pink Salmon in the Tana River
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute begins building a trap at Seida to sort out invasive pink salmon migrating up the Tana River.
Seida, Tana Municipality, Troms og Finnmark, Norway
NRK Troms og Finnmark

Juneau gets its first-ever ‘severe thunderstorm’ warning from the Weather Service
At 3:10 p.m. Monday, a wind gust of 60 mph was clocked atop the Juneau Federal Building in downtown Juneau.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Fish Hatchery Ships Over 60,000 Nelma Fingerlings for Release into Lake Keta
On June 11, 2025, a Norilsk fish incubation plant delivered more than 60,000 nelma juveniles to be released into Lake Keta as part of Nornickel’s ongoing efforts to replenish regional fish stocks.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Taimyr Telegraph

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