Background Articles

A new report reveals a rise in polar bears on land and dangerous travel conditions in Northwest Alaska due to climate change.

The report reveals an unusual increase in polar bear presence on land in Northwest Alaska due to declining sea ice, posing challenges for human-bear interactions and travel safety, while warming temperatures and shifting seasons complicate traditional travel and hunting practices.

Mälarenergi in Västerås, Sweden, is testing carbon capture technology to reduce emissions from its waste-to-energy plant. This initiative could significantly decrease CO2 emissions, key for addressing climate challenges.

Research from the University of New Brunswick indicates that balsam fir trees are at risk due to climate change, with rising temperatures and drought conditions being key concerns.

A fishing vessel capsized in the Gulf of Alaska during a storm, leaving seven empty survival suits but no sign of the five-member crew.

This autumn was unusually warm across Finland, with the Finnish Meteorological Institute noting it was the fourth mildest in history.

Ki-Chul Oh discusses the severe climate change impacts in Mongolia, where the average air temperature has risen by two degrees Celsius, significantly above global averages. He highlights the efforts of the Green Asia Network in combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management in the region.

Eleven out of twenty-five communities in Nunavut have received boil water advisories in 2024 due to infrastructure and water quality issues, with efforts underway to upgrade aging systems.

Finns are experiencing 'eco-grief' due to a lack of snow, which holds cultural significance for many. This emotional state arises from noticeable environmental changes and concerns for future generations.

A recent study indicates that dust plays a significant role in the Arctic's climate changes, affecting how clouds form and their impact on the region's climate dynamics.

More reports are emerging around the world of the virus in mammals, including species found in the Arctic. Officials say there's no evidence suggesting transmission from eating infected animals which are cooked - but country food is often eaten raw.

Alaska's commercial salmon harvest in 2024 hit the third lowest recorded since 1985 both in fish quantity and financial returns.

Russian warships from the Northern Fleet faced significant challenges from sea ice while navigating the Northern Sea Route, despite Russia's development of naval icebreakers.

Rehabilitation efforts have successfully brought spawning salmon back to urban streams in Metro Vancouver, highlighting the importance of conservation and community stewardship.

Tea production in India is declining due to climate change, with demands for $1 trillion in climate aid from developed countries to help adapt.

A dead fin whale washed up near downtown Anchorage, attracting hundreds of onlookers while scientists study it to learn more about the whale's life and death.

A cold wave from Siberia and Finland is bringing frigid temperatures to Norway, with conditions falling to minus 25 degrees Celsius in some parts.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has recently been detected in Alaskan wildlife, primarily affecting species like geese, ducks, and eagles. No human cases have been reported, but it poses a significant risk to domestic poultry flocks.

In November and December, Western Alaska experiences rapid weather changes due to large-scale atmospheric conditions, with winds causing sudden temperature rises, especially when moving inland from the sea or down from mountains.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's preliminary report for 2024 shows a record low in Norton Sound's commercial fishery, with an exvessel value of $146,326 from a salmon harvest of 21,490. Statewide salmon harvests declined by 56% from the previous year.