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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

"Chimney-Free Zone" to Be Established in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's Cabinet has decided to implement a "Chimney-Free Zone" in Ulaanbaatar to improve air quality by banning solid fuel and promoting gas heating, alongside providing green loans and subsidies.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
MONTSAME News Agency

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

Alaska birds suffered biggest die-off in recorded history in 'Blob' heat wave, new study says
A study revealed that 4 million common murres died during the North Pacific marine heatwave known as the 'Blob,' marking the biggest bird die-off in recorded history.
Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

Arctic tundra now emitting more carbon gases than it absorbs, annual report says
A NOAA report reveals that Arctic tundra regions, including those in Alaska, have transitioned from carbon sinks to carbon sources due to warming permafrost and intensifying wildfires, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
Arctic, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Arctic shipping season shrinking despite reduced ice coverage, conference hears
Despite reduced overall ice coverage in Canada's Northwest Passage, the Arctic shipping season is shortening due to increased mobility and breakage of sea ice creating navigational hazards.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

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

Fish Camp in Alaska — Without the Fish
In Ruby, Alaska, Indigenous families face cultural and nutritional challenges as climate change and fisheries management impact the availability of chinook and chum salmon, central to their traditions.
Ruby, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

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

Small fish size linked to poorer runs of Chinook in Alaska's biggest rivers
A study identifies shrinking salmon size as a factor affecting Chinook salmon productivity in Alaska's Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers, impacted by conditions like extreme temperatures and high runoff.
Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers, Alaska, United States

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

Landslides to late freezes: New report makes sense of changes to Alaska's environment
A newly updated report titled 'Alaska's Changing Environment' explores the climatic shifts affecting Alaska, from landslides to late freezes, emphasizing the significant impact of climate change.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

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

Carbon capture tested in Västerås: "A key for tackling the climate challenge"
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.
Västerås, Västmanland, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

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

Ki-Chul Oh: Nowhere In the World Has the Average Air Temperature Increased by More Than Two Degrees Celsius Except in Mongolia
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.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
MONTSAME News Agency

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

Tea growers pressured by extreme heat and downpours: “Need to be supported”
Tea production in India is declining due to climate change, with demands for $1 trillion in climate aid from developed countries to help adapt.
Assam, India
SVT Nyheter

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

Cold wave from Finland and Siberia affects Norway – now it gets cold
A cold wave from Siberia and Finland is bringing frigid temperatures to Norway, with conditions falling to minus 25 degrees Celsius in some parts.
Innlandet, Norway
NRK

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

Urban salmon return to Metro Vancouver streams to spawn and inspire recovery efforts
Efforts to restore urban waterways have led to spawning salmon returning to Metro Vancouver streams, highlighting the success of rehabilitation projects amidst industrial and residential areas.
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

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.

'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

Thousands of exploded craters discovered on the Kara seabed
Russian researchers have identified thousands of craters on the Kara Sea bed due to explosive methane gas releases, posing potential risks to underwater gas pipelines.
Kara Sea, Siberia, Russia
The Barents Observer

Wolf population on the rise in northern Norway
The wolf population in northern Norway, particularly in Finnmark, is rising, with DNA tests indicating their origins in Russia, a development complicated by halted scientific exchanges between Norway and Russia due to geopolitical tensions.
Finnmark, Norway
The Barents Observer

The hard choices facing B.C. farmers after record crop losses due to 'weather whiplash'
A sudden cold snap devastated peach and wine grape crops in B.C., compounding economic challenges faced by apple-growers, leading farmers to diversify or sell their land.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

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

First right whales of season gorge on critical food off Massachusetts, giving hope for a strong year
Scientists observed North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay with abundant food, offering hope for a strong feeding and breeding season.
Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, United States
Press Herald

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

The frozen carbon of the northern permafrost is on the move – we estimated by how much
Thawing permafrost in the Arctic region is releasing significant amounts of carbon and nitrogen, posing environmental challenges due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Arctic, Russia

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

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

Commercial whaling and climate change are inhibiting evolutionary change in Arctic whales
Commercial whaling and climate change are inhibiting the evolutionary potential of Arctic whales by reducing genetic variation necessary for adaptation, with bowhead whales markedly affected by historical hunting.
Arctic Region
NNSL Media

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

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