LEO Network

About the LEO Network
The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Conservationists ask feds to protect rare Kigluaik buttercup flower
Conservationists petition for federal protection of the rare Kigluaik buttercup, threatened by climate change and proposed mining activities.
Kigluaik Mountains, Alaska
The Nome Nugget

BLM hears pleas for retaining protections on D-1 lands
Indigenous communities in the Bering Strait region advocate for maintaining federal protections on D-1 lands to safeguard their subsistence lifestyle and cultural heritage from the impacts of state management and resource extraction.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Scientists investigate paralytic shellfish poisoning as possible factor in large marine die offs
Scientists are investigating the widespread presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in Alaska's marine food chain, which may explain recent species die-offs.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Chugach forecasters warn of dangerous avalanche conditions after 1 death, 2 close calls
Chugach forecasters issue warnings of high avalanche danger following a fatal incident and two non-fatal close calls in the mountains.
Girdwood, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Alaska state geologists’ report on fatal landslide in Wrangell cites heavy rainfall as trigger
The state is seeking new support from FEMA and other partners to expand studies of landslide risks on Wrangell Island and elsewhere in Alaska.
Wrangell, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

NASA climate satellite blasts off to survey oceans and atmosphere of a warming Earth
NASA's PACE satellite, designed to study ocean biology in unprecedented detail, has been successfully launched to enhance understanding of Earth's changing climate and improve weather forecasting.
Florida, United States
AP News

Microplastics found in body tissues of walruses harvested by Alaska hunters
“It’s a reflection of the plastic age we live in," said student researcher Tony Blade. "It’s ubiquitous."
Wainwright, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Alaska's Arctic and boreal ecosystems see climate change-driven 'microbial awakening'
Climate change is causing a 'microbial awakening' in Alaska's ecosystems, altering food webs as fungi become a major energy source for small mammals.
Alaska Arctic

Kotzebue residents report heat loss and issues with Vitus fuel amid frigid temps
Kotzebue residents face heating challenges as Vitus fuel thickens in extreme cold, leading to clogged filters and system failures, prompting some to switch suppliers.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

State regulators limit hunting of Western Arctic caribou to 15 animals a year
Subsistence hunters living in Northwest Alaska and parts of the North Slope are now only allowed to hunt up to 15 animals a year, only one of which can be a cow. This is a considerable change from five caribou a day, and it goes into effect on state-managed lands on July 1.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Panhandle snowpack near record low
Idaho's Panhandle is experiencing near record-low snowpack levels, with persistent dry conditions and forecasts suggesting a continued negative impact on snowpack development.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
Coeur d'Alene Press

Noticing less snow in New England? Researchers are too
A Dartmouth study reveals a significant decline in New England's snowpack, with many river basins losing over 10% per decade due to human-caused climate change.
Saint-Léonard, New Brunswick, Canada

Southcentral Alaska waterways survey finds widespread microplastics
A study by the Alaska Environment Research and Policy Center found microplastics in all water samples from Southcentral Alaska, indicating widespread contamination.
Alaska, United States

A new children’s book about ringed seal highlights traditional knowledge and science in Kotzebue
The new children's book combines traditional knowledge and scientific research to tell the story of a ringed seal pup in Kotzebue, Alaska, with a focus on the impact of climate change.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

NZ's first caulerpa dredging machine to be used in Northland's fight against invasive seaweed
New Zealand's first mechanical suction dredge is being trialed in Northland to combat the invasive seaweed caulerpa, potentially revolutionizing marine biosecurity efforts.
Murchison, Tasman, New Zealand
NZ Herald

What does a world full of EVs look like? Go to Norway
Norway's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is highlighted by nearly 8,000 fast-charging stations and incentives being scaled back due to success, with a focus now on electrifying transport trucks.
Norway
CBC

Wyloo Metals CEO gives update on Ring of Fire mining projects, though First Nations resistance continues
Wyloo Metals CEO Kristan Straub updates on the sustainable development of the Ring of Fire's Eagle's Nest nickel deposit, amid ongoing resistance and legal challenges from some First Nations seeking greater consultation and environmental protection.
Webequie, Canada
CBC

Avalanche warnings, closures continue as marathon storm leaves record snowfall
Juneau shatters snow record for Jan. 22; forecaster says avalanches “could begin to endanger homes.”
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Anchorage homeless shelters under strain amid statewide cold snap
Staff at Anchorage's Brother Francis Shelter have seen cases of hypothermia and frostbite, during a subzero chill expected to continue next week.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Elma the mammoth's wanderings mapped across Alaska
Scientists have tracked the life journey of a mammoth named Elma across ancient Alaska, revealing her path overlapped with human hunter camps, using chemical analysis of her tusk as a "chemical GPS."
Alaska, United States

Norway expands oil drilling, boosts production
Norway awards 62 new oil drilling licenses, signaling a push towards a 15-year peak in oil and gas production despite international calls for a halt in fossil fuel exploration.
Barents Sea
The Independent Barents Observer

Norway receives sharp criticism in the European Parliament
Norway faces criticism from the European Parliament and environmental groups for its decision to allow mineral exploration in the Barents and Greenland Seas, despite concerns over potential ecological impacts and calls for a ban until proven safe.
Norway
NRK

Juneau’s deadliest landslide tore through downtown like a ‘mighty grinder.’ Now it’s a fading memory.
Juneau's history of deadly landslides, particularly the 1936 disaster that killed multiple residents, is a testament to the region's susceptibility to such events, which may increase with changing weather patterns.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Oil field road traffic disrupts North Slope caribou more than previously recognized
A study reveals that North Slope caribou are significantly more sensitive to oil field road traffic than previously thought, with disruptions occurring at traffic volumes as low as five vehicles per hour.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Peter Pan's King Cove plant will stay closed this winter as fishing industry turmoil spreads
Peter Pan's King Cove plant closure during the winter will impact local revenue and fishermen, amid industry-wide financial struggles and delayed payments.
King Cove, Alaska, United States

US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it's climate change
The U.S. experiences extreme cold as the rest of the world faces unusual warmth, a pattern scientists attribute to climate change.
United States
AP News

Resilience, recovery prioritized in Iceland report on Grindavik evacuation
The Icelandic government released a report one year after a natural disaster led to the evacuation of Grindavík, detailing its response and future prevention strategies.
Grindavik, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
Eye on the Arctic

Tribes request federal consultation over Graphite One
Tribes from Teller, Brevig Mission, and Mary's Igloo are urging the U.S. Department of Defense to consult with them after a $37.5 million grant was awarded to Graphite One without their input, impacting local ecosystems and subsistence practices.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Caribou management and health
Experts discuss strategies for ensuring the health and sustainability of Alaska's caribou amidst environmental and developmental challenges.

As the permafrost melts, the houses in Nunapitchuk are breaking down
Melting permafrost in Nunapitchuk is causing severe structural damage to homes, leading to erosion, instability, and health issues for residents.
Nunapitchuk, Alaska, United States

Alaska beekeepers kill their colonies every fall, but an Anchorage man has another way
An Anchorage beekeeper has learned how to help his honeybee colonies survive to see spring, and he’s teaching others to do the same.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

As Conoco's Willow project advances, 2 local governments have withdrawn their criticism
Two local governments have retracted their criticism of Conoco's Willow project, now focusing on protecting subsistence resources and leveraging project opportunities.
Nuiqsut, Alaska, United States

Alaska's open seasons on predators are approved behind closed doors
Alaska's predator control measures and wildlife management strategies are under scrutiny as tensions rise over state and federal jurisdiction, with calls for more inclusive decision-making and realistic goals amidst rapid climate change.
Togiak, Alaska, United States

With Anchorage’s record-setting snow, officials say it’s not a bad idea to shovel roofs
Officials in Anchorage suggest residents consider shoveling their roofs due to record snowfall and the potential for more, along with concerns about ice dams and roof stress.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin is high in some subsistence harvests, according to Knik Tribe’s data
Knik Tribe data reveals high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin in some Alaskan subsistence shellfish harvests, with variability in toxin levels across different locations.
Sand Point, Alaska, United States

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