LEO Network

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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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Observations

Alaska birds suffered biggest die-off in recorded history in ‘Blob’ heat wave, new study says
The 4 million deaths of common murres during the intense marine heatwave was the biggest wildlife toll in modern history, the study says
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

The Arctic tundra is now a net source of carbon dioxide
The Arctic tundra, which has been a carbon sink for millennia, has shifted to become a carbon source.
Circumpolar Arctic
NOAA Climate.gov

Kodiak-area communities' workshop troubleshoots coastal erosion
A recent workshop in Kodiak connected some rural communities to resources that could help them adapt to erosion and other issues.
Akhiok, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Alaska’s climate and environment continue to change, including in some ‘astounding’ ways
Alaska is experiencing rapid environmental changes, including record-high temperatures, shrinking sea ice, increased wildfires, and unusual wildlife patterns, such as the decline of salmon and the rise of snow goose populations.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Alaska, and other climate report takeaways
In Southeast Alaska, the changing climate means more deadly landslides, and in Anchorage, more heavy-snowfall events, according to Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy’s report.
Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

UAF study finds link between king salmon decline and climate change
A University of Alaska Fairbanks study links king salmon decline in the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers to climate change impacts such as warming temperatures, which decrease salmon body size and breeding efficiency.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

New report highlights increased polar bear presence and challenging travel in Northwest Alaska as the Arctic warms up
A new report reveals a rise in polar bears on land and dangerous travel conditions in Northwest Alaska due to climate change.
Kaktovik, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

New report highlights increased polar bear presence and challenging travel in Northwest Alaska as the Arctic warms up
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.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska

Empty survival suits found but no signs of life after fishing boat overturns in Alaska storm
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.
Gulf of Alaska, Alaska, United States
CTV News

Study suggests dust is a hidden player in the Arctic's changing climate
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.
Arctic
Eye on the Arctic

Officials monitoring avian flu in mammals in the Canadian Arctic
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.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

Alaska's total commercial salmon harvest this year was ultra-low in both quantity and value
Alaska's commercial salmon harvest in 2024 hit the third lowest recorded since 1985 both in fish quantity and financial returns.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

As hundreds flock to see dead Anchorage whale, scientists are trying to learn more about how it lived
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.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

New bird flu virus spreads to Alaskan wildlife, state vet says
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.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
KTUU

November 21: Rick Thoman's Climate Highlight for Western Alaska
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.
Western Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Lowest commercial harvest on record highlighted in 2024 preliminary figures
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.
Norton Sound, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

It's a virus you may not have heard of. Here's why scientists are worried about it
Case counts for Oropouche virus are still low but rising dramatically. What's going on? And then there's a study that raises the possibility that insect bites aren't the only way the virus can spread.
Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
NPR

Dire condition of Alaska's seafood industry has many causes and no easy fixes, experts say
Alaska's seafood industry is facing significant challenges due to climate change, geopolitical factors, and economic pressures. Efforts to address these issues are underway, but solutions are complex and require substantial investment and policy change.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

'Bomb cyclone' kills 2 and knocks out power to over half a million homes across the northwest U.S.
A powerful "bomb cyclone" swept across the northwest United States, leading to the deaths of two people, widespread power outages, and significant damage from fallen trees and extreme weather conditions.
Northwest United States
CTV News

Massive holes and thin ice widespread on Kuskokwim, annual aerial survey finds
An aerial survey of the Kuskokwim River reveals widespread thin ice and large open holes, raising safety concerns for nearby communities.
Kuskokwim River, Alaska, United States
KYUK

City, DOT work to repair storm damage to Spit road
A storm caused significant erosion damage to Homer Spit Road, reducing it to one lane. Repair efforts are underway to restore the road and impacted businesses.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Biden administration gives support to controversial land trade in Alaska wildlife refuge
The Biden administration supports a land trade in an Alaskan wildlife refuge, exchanging 490 acres for 31,198 acres, despite controversy and opposition from some tribal communities.
King Cove, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Yukon gov't again reports emissions down per resident, while total emissions continue to climb
Yukon's per capita emissions have decreased, but overall emissions are rising due to population and economic growth, challenging the territory's ambitious 45% reduction goal.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

A dog on Prince of Wales Island is helping to conserve wolves by tracking their poop
A trained Australian Shepherd named Barley is aiding conservation efforts by locating wolf scat on Prince of Wales Island, providing crucial data for wildlife management.
Craig, Alaska, United States

Chukchi Sea polar bears are increasingly exposed to disease-causing pathogens
Chukchi Sea polar bears show increased exposure to pathogens like canine distemper virus and Toxoplasma gondii, potentially due to changes in their diet and extended time on land.
Chukchi Sea

Here's what the Trump presidency could mean for the Porcupine caribou herd
The Gwich'in are mobilizing to protect the Porcupine caribou herd's calving grounds from potential oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as promised by President-elect Trump.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
CBC

Residents in West Dawson say lack of reliable options to cross Yukon River leaves them at risk
People living in West Dawson are urging the Yukon government to do more to support them while they wait for the Yukon River to freeze over, and provide them with reliable access to emergency services.
Dawson City, Yukon, Canada

Weeks after storm damaged over 50 Kotzebue properties, local responders carry on with repairs
In Kotzebue, Alaska, local responders continue to repair over 50 properties severely damaged by a storm in October, focusing on essential infrastructure before winter begins.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

OPINION: To defend democracy — and our climate — we have to vote for it
The article emphasizes the importance of voting for climate-conscious leadership in the wake of unusual and severe flooding in an Arctic community during winter.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

After flood, Kotzebue residents take stock of damaged homes and property, and take care of one another
At least 30 houses still needed repairs, cleanup was ongoing, and the city’s residents grappled with the need to fix snowmachines, keep their soaked houses warm and prepare for future emergencies.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Red king crab harvest looking ‘very good’ so far for Bristol Bay fleet
“Fishing has been very good for the [Bristol Bay red king crab] fleet this season and the crab delivered so far has been of high quality — new shell, large size, good meat-fill,” said Alaska Department of Fish and Game Area Management Biologist Ethan Nichols.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
KUCB

At the floating nuclear power plant, one of the reactors was automatically turned off
One of the reactors at a floating nuclear power plant in Pevek, Russia, was automatically shut down due to an unspecified issue.
Pevek, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Power supply was restored in the village of Rytkuchi, flooded by the storm
Power was restored in Rytkuchi, Chukotka after a storm caused village-wide flooding.
Рыткучи, Чаунский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

For more than a century, a fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive?
The seafood industry around the world has faced market turmoil. Few Alaska communities have been hit harder than King Cove.
King Cove, Alaska, United States

Helicopter rescue, washed-out roads: After flooding displaces 80 people, Kotzebue begins recovery
A severe storm in Kotzebue, Alaska, caused significant flooding, displacing 80 people and damaging critical infrastructure, including roads and the airport.

'The Russians are compromising security on Northern Sea Route'
Despite rapidly freezing Arctic waters, Moscow continues to send more than 20 years old ships without ice class to the Northern Sea Route. 'They are compromising security,' a Norwegian professor in ice navigation says.
Bering Strait

September was unusually warm
There were a total of eight days when the temperature nudged over 25 degrees, which is regarded in Finland as the threshold for "hot" weather. The sunny weather brought many warm early autumn days.
Finland
News

US Fish and Wildlife Service takes action to combat the spread of invasive species in Bristol Bay
The South-central Invasive Species Strike Team is actively working in Bristol Bay to manage and control the spread of invasive species, such as Bird Vetch, which threaten local ecosystems essential for subsistence in Alaska.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

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