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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Russian objection to U.S. territorial claims off Alaska complicates maritime relationship
Russia's objection to U.S. claims off Alaska highlights tensions in maritime relations and underscores the U.S. disadvantage in territorial disputes due to its non-ratification of the Law of the Sea treaty.
Arctic Ocean
Alaska Public Media

Schools closed, safe rooms open for severe weather
Ahead of Wednesday’s anticipated severe weather, county officials are making some important announcements.
McLain, Mississippi, United States

1 dead, 126 homes damaged or destroyed due to severe weather in Mississippi
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued an updated damage report from Tuesday and Wednesday’s severe weather. According to MEMA, one person in Grenada County died. Six were injured, two of which were in Scott County. Details regarding where the other four injuries took place have not been released...
Grenada, Mississippi, United States
SuperTalk Mississippi Media

Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.
Juneau implements a new daily limit of five large cruise ships to manage record-breaking tourism and address local concerns about traffic and quality of life.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Tsunami program that informs Alaskans of the danger is itself at risk
It funds maps, sirens and education. "Losing this program, really, at the end of the day could mean deaths in Alaska," says a state official.
Cordova, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Western Alaska tribes, outraged by bycatch, turn up the heat on fishery managers and trawlers
The years-long debate is taking on increasing urgency as subsistence harvesting bans continue and the policy responses under consideration threaten to impose steep costs on the industry.
Nulato, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

New work season opens for Denali Park Road bridge
The $100 million Pretty Rocks Bridge will cross the site of a landslide that has closed the road at Mile 45 since 2021.
Denali Park

Canada's wildfires blamed for rise in global loss of tree cover outside of tropics
Canada's record wildfires contribute significantly to global non-tropical tree cover loss, with implications for climate change and biodiversity.
Canada
CBC

Canada, Alaska suspend fishing of Yukon River chinook salmon for 7 years
Canada and Alaska have agreed to a seven-year fishing moratorium on Yukon River chinook salmon to aid the species' recovery, following years of declining numbers.
Yukon River, Alaska
CBC

Canada's mild winter disrupts key ice road to remote Arctic diamond mines
Canada's mild winter has caused the longest recent delay in opening the Arctic ice road, essential for diamond mine access and goods transport, highlighting climate change impacts on infrastructure.
ArcticToday

Landslide-triggered tsunamis can strike without warning. Alaska researchers are trying to change that.
Alaska researchers are developing a method to detect landslide-triggered tsunamis, aiming to provide early warnings for such unpredictable events.
Alaska, United States

Commercial fisheries may soon be at the Bering Strait’s doorstep
Sea ice loss, warming waters and the northward expansion of fish species like pollock are all contributing to a pattern in the Bering Strait region known as “borealization.” That means the Arctic ecosystem is becoming more like the boreal region to the south.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Nine water lines and six sewer lines remain frozen after Swan lake Loop failed last month
Emergency measures are in place in Kotzebue after a failure in the Swan Lake Loop left 74 households without water, prompting local and state officials to declare an emergency and take action to provide services and repair infrastructure.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects
Alaska's new Sustainable Energy Action Plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, excluding oil industry cuts.
Alaska, United States

Peltola has fish on her mind during Cama-i trip to Bethel
Rep. Mary Peltola discusses the challenges facing Alaska's fisheries, including declining salmon populations and the impact on subsistence and commercial fishing, during her visit to Bethel for the Cama-i Dance Festival.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Amid salmon crash, Alaska’s Yukon River residents say a new pact with Canada leaves them behind
Alaska's Yukon River residents feel neglected by a new Canada-U.S. agreement aimed at rebuilding salmon stocks, as the pact requires a seven-year fishing halt that exacerbates their economic and cultural struggles.
Yukon River, Alaska, United States

Technology that detects volcanoes and nuclear explosions will listen for avalanches in Juneau
An infrasound avalanche detection system, previously used for monitoring volcanoes and nuclear tests, is being installed in Juneau to improve avalanche mitigation and road safety.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Beaver expansion into Alaska’s Arctic tundra presents problems for people – and opportunities
Beavers are transforming Alaska's Arctic tundra, creating both challenges for local communities and ecological opportunities, as their population and dam-building activities alter landscapes and affect permafrost.
The Arctic
Alaska Beacon

Arctic rivers face big changes with warming climate, permafrost thaw and accelerating water cycle
Arctic rivers are undergoing significant changes due to a warming climate, with increased precipitation and permafrost thaw leading to stronger flows and altered chemical compositions.
The Arctic
Alaska Beacon

Ice measuring in Kotzebue can help snowmachiners and scientists alike
The Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub and the Native Village of Kotzebue deployed an under-ice oceanographic instrument to monitor ice thickness and snow depth at a site offshore of town.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Norway need more ammunition, the Chemring Nobel explosive plant increases its emissions fivefold
The Chemring Nobel explosive plant in Norway is increasing its emissions fivefold, raising concerns about worsening nitrogen pollution in the Oslo fjord.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway
NRK

Federal grant to bring heat pumps to households, solar energy to villages in Northwest Arctic
A federal grant will provide heat pumps to households and solar energy systems to villages in the Northwest Arctic, aiming to reduce energy costs and reliance on diesel, with an expected annual revenue of nearly $1 million for the region.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska, United States

In this drought year, Alberta's water allocation is under the microscope. Here's what the data says
Alberta's water allocation data reveals regional disparities in usage and availability, with agriculture dominating in the south and oil and gas in the north, amidst concerns of overuse and drought.
Alberta, Canada
CBC

Alaska will receive $2.6M towards small scale food production
Alaska receives $2.6M from the USDA to enhance local food production, aiming to bolster food security in a state where 95% of food is imported.
Alaska, United States

Study tracks calls used by endangered Cook Inlet belugas, and human-made noise in their habitat
The article discusses concerns over the impact of human-made noise on endangered Cook Inlet belugas and the debate over noise mitigation measures.
Cook Inlet, Alaska

Over 20 Alaska villages on tap for $125M in federal funds for solar and hydroelectric projects
Alaska is set to receive $125M in federal funds for renewable energy projects, benefiting over 20 villages with solar, hydroelectric, and storage initiatives.

Alaskapox death brings attention to small animal virus
For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area. But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the Alaskapox virus.

What is causing the rusting of northern Alaska streams?
The oranging of northern rivers seems to be related to recent permafrost thaw that has allowed streams to release previously captive iron, trace metals and acid.
Kougarok, River

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.
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
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

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'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

Meant to protect the land from wildfires, fire retardant could be doing damage of its own
Residents in the Sahtu region are voicing concerns that fire retardants used to combat wildfires in the Northwest Territories may be harming the environment, affecting wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic systems. Local observations and research indicate that areas treated with these chemicals show signs of degraded recovery and potential long-term ecological impacts.
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC News

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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."

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.

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

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

Could a new Alaska coal power plant be climate friendly? An $11 million study aims to find out
An $11 million study, funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant, will investigate the feasibility of a new coal power plant in Alaska with carbon capture and storage technology.
Susitna, Alaska, United States
ArcticToday

A Major Climate Force Has Been Ignored for Decades
A significant, yet often overlooked, impact of voles on the Arctic tundra's carbon cycle, highlighting their potential to influence whether the tundra acts as a carbon sink or source.
The Atlantic

Hatcheries hurt nearly all wild salmon populations, study finds
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 studies reveals that fish hatchery programs have predominantly negative impacts on wild salmon populations, reducing genetic diversity and overall health.
Pacific Ocean
ArcticToday

More than 33 thousand tons of goods were delivered to Chukotka
The Regional Department of Agriculture and Food summed up the results of the northern delivery. In 2023, supplies of food and essential goods increased. In total, 33.3 thousand tons of cargo were delivered to the region. This exceeded the 2022 figures by almost half.
Анадырь, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Falcon Population Dwindling
The Icelandic gyrfalcon population is at its lowest, with many nests empty, likely due to a higher than estimated impact of bird flu.
Iceland
Iceland Review

Weather 2024: A weirdly warm, wet and recording-breaking year for Spokane
Spokane experienced its fourth-hottest year on record in 2024, with exceptional summer heat, a significant dust storm, and an unprecedentedly wet late-year. Weather extremes spanned subzero temperatures in January to record summer heat and heavy rainfall later on.
Spokane, Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Tribes organize 'First Indigenous Sovereign Habitat Tribal Conservation District' from Bering Sea to Interior Alaska
A coalition of 38 tribes in Alaska received a $1.2 million federal grant to establish the 'First Indigenous Sovereign Habitat Tribal Conservation District' for co-management of federal lands from the Bering Sea to Interior Alaska.
Bering Sea

Thinning ice and shrinking caribou hurt not only safety and food security but also mental health
Kotzebue Elder Gladys I’yiiqpak Pungowiyi said that over the years, many skilled hunters were lost when they went out hunting and fell through the ice. I’ve been called to pray for people that are affected mentally.”

11 people charged in Sweden's biggest ever environmental crime case
Eleven individuals from Think Pink are charged in Sweden's largest environmental crime case for illegally dumping waste, causing fires and toxic leaks.
Botkyrka, Sweden

ConocoPhillips announces official go-ahead for huge Willow oil project in Alaska
ConocoPhillips has officially sanctioned the development of the Willow oil project in Alaska, expected to produce 600 million barrels over its lifetime and create thousands of jobs.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

'Like being at a loud rock concert': study looks at how ship noise affects Arctic marine mammals |
A study reveals that increased ship noise in the Arctic disrupts the behavior and communication of marine mammals, impacting local wildlife and indigenous hunting practices.
Beaufort Sea

Anchorage used to have an active climate action plan. What happened to it?
Anchorage's climate action plan, adopted in 2019 to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050, has seen little progress and poor communication under Mayor Bronson's administration.

The Norwegian Electricity Authority finds faults in almost three out of four solar panels
The Norwegian Electricity Authority reports faults in approximately 75% of solar panels, raising concerns about potential fires as inexperienced installers need more safety training.
Norway
NRK

America is larger now, by declaration of State Department
The U.S. State Department has expanded America's territory by defining the extent of its continental shelf, claiming an area roughly twice the size of California, mostly in the Arctic.

Big changes are coming to Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
The U.S. Forest Service has finalized a plan to revamp Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, addressing tourism growth and community concerns.

Western Arctic Caribou Herd population decline continues, with hunting expected to be affected
The Western Arctic Caribou Herd continues to decline, now at about a third of its 2003 population, with hunting restrictions likely as part of conservation efforts.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska, United States

‘We’re always going to be surprised’: Wrangell’s tragedy highlights Alaska’s lack of landslide monitoring
The Wrangell landslide tragedy underscores Alaska's challenge in landslide prediction due to insufficient monitoring and data collection.
Wrangell, Alaska, United States

Annual Arctic Report Card focuses on Indigenous knowledge and resilience after warmest summer on record
The 2023 Arctic Report Card highlights unprecedented summer warmth, ecological shifts, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge in understanding and adapting to climate change impacts.
The Arctic

Degrading permafrost likely caused Diomede city building’s collapse
The collapse of Diomede city's building, suspected to be caused by melting permafrost, has led to emergency measures and online schooling as efforts to stabilize and dismantle the structure proceed.
Diomede, Alaska, United States

EPA wants to get the lead out of aviation gas. Alaska's U.S. senators say it's a bad move for the state.
Alaska's U.S. senators oppose the EPA's move to regulate and phase out leaded aviation gasoline, citing potential negative impacts on the state's travel and economy.

Alaska Airlines is pitching an 'eco-friendly' alternative to the mileage run this year. How green is it?
Alaska Airlines is promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mileage runs, though its effectiveness depends on production methods and it's not yet widely adopted or cost-competitive.

Investing in offshore wind where we hardly know anything about nature
Norway faces criticism for allowing companies to conduct their own environmental impact assessments for offshore wind projects, with calls for stricter regulations and better use of existing marine research to protect nature.

El Niño heads north: how tropical weather impacts the Arctic
El Nino is causing warmer and drier conditions in the Arctic, leading to record warm falls in Northern communities and challenging traditional hunting and trapping due to delayed ice formation.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Study points to concurrent marine heat waves as culprit in Western Alaska chum declines
In the much-higher water temperatures that lingered in the 2014-19 period, juvenile chum salmon metabolism was super-charged, meaning they needed more food, said the study, by scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. But the food that was available was of low quality — things like jellyfish instead of the fatpacked krill and other prey they normally eat, the study said.
Bering Sea

How studying arctic ground squirrels can help advance human brain health
Researchers are studying arctic ground squirrels, whose unique hibernation abilities may offer insights into treating human brain injuries and diseases.
PBS NewsHour

Husband of sole Wrangell landslide survivor found dead in search
Otto Florschutz, a candidate in the 2022 U.S. House special election, was found dead following a landslide in Wrangell, Alaska, that also claimed the lives of four members of the Heller family.
Wrangell, Alaska, United States

Inuit group, citing dramatic effects in the Arctic, calls for bigger role in international climate action
The Inuit Circumpolar Council is advocating for a greater role in international climate discussions, highlighting the severe climate impacts in the Arctic and seeking access to global climate funds.

Nearly $225 million ISK in grants for farmers after harsh winter in Iceland's North
Iceland's Disaster Relief Fund has disbursed nearly 225 million ISK to 89 farmers affected by an unusually cold winter in 2023-2024 in northern Iceland, covering 80% of the expected payout.
Northern Region, Iceland
Eye on the Arctic

Alaska’s top veterinarian warns of respiratory illness that’s killed several Lower 48 dogs
More than a dozen states, including several in the Pacific Northwest, are reporting outbreaks of a new respiratory illness. There have also been increases in canine respiratory illness cases at a clinic in Southeast Alaska and another in Southcentral, but there’s no indication yet if those were due to the mystery illness.
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Possible outbreak of botulism suspected in Sanikiluaq
Health officials in Sanikiluaq, Hudson Bay, warn against consuming fermented meat due to a suspected botulism outbreak and urge vigilance for related symptoms.
Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, Canada
Nunavut News

Alaska’s chief veterinarian issues notice on mysterious illness killing dogs in Lower 48
Alaska's chief veterinarian warns of a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs in the Lower 48 and advises local pet owners to take precautions.

'Charity is not a solution to food insecurity': How to feed the future
Experts argue that transforming food systems through structural changes, Indigenous knowledge, and data sharing is essential for long-term food security and sustainable development.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Alaska experts try to untangle invasive Japanese knotweed
Alaska experts are grappling with the challenge of controlling the highly invasive Japanese knotweed, which is resistant to conventional eradication methods and threatens local ecosystems.

Little Diomede school struck by collapsing building closed indefinitely
The Little Diomede school is closed indefinitely after a collapsing city building, with rotted stilts, leaned on it, causing no injuries but prompting a switch to video conference classes and relocation of teachers.
Diomede, Alaska, United States

Steller sea lions top list of Alaska marine mammals killed by human activities
Steller sea lions are the most affected by human activities in Alaska, leading to hundreds of deaths, primarily due to entanglement in fishing gear.

Reindeer herders and scientists collaborate to understand Arctic warming
Siberian reindeer herders and scientists are working together to figure out how to predict rain-on-snow events that turn tundra into deadly ice.
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Science News

Climate change will deliver more heavy precipitation events to Southcentral. Is Anchorage prepared?
Anchorage faces record snowfalls and plowing challenges, raising concerns about its preparedness for future extreme precipitation events linked to climate change.

Due to the low returns to spawning grounds, commercial salmon fisheries may be suspended next year
Due to declining salmon returns, Russia may halt commercial salmon fisheries next year to protect the species. This drastic reduction has raised concerns about the sustainability of the fisheries and the need for conservation measures. The situation is so dire that the salmon catch in 2021 was the lowest in the last 16 years, and projections for the 2024-2026 period suggest a continued downward trend.
Anadyr, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Northern states prepare for battle against invasion of feral Canadian ‘super pigs’
Northern states are implementing measures to prevent the spread of invasive "super pigs" from Canada, which are a crossbreed of wild boar and domestic swine, causing significant ecological and agricultural damage.
Canada

The world briefly smashed through the 2-degree warming limit for the first time ever
The world surpassed the 2-degree warming threshold for the first time, signaling an urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions as climate impacts worsen.
Earth
CNN

Alaska communities must adapt as climate change transforms state, federal report says
Alaska communities are facing significant challenges due to climate change, including the disappearance of snow crabs, threats to subsistence hunting and fishing, and difficulties in processing and storing food, but some communities are taking action and developing local climate adaptation plans with the support of funding and collaboration between different governments and agencies.

Western Alaska salmon crisis affects physical and mental health, residents say
Residents in Western Alaska are experiencing a salmon crisis that is not only affecting their physical health due to the lack of exercise from salmon harvesting, but also their mental health and cultural well-being, as salmon harvesting is seen as a vital part of their way of life and recovery from substance abuse.
Western Alaska, United States

Wolves hunt sea otters and seals, a startling find
Wolves in Katmai, Alaska, have been observed hunting sea otters and seals, suggesting a significant ecological link between land and marine life.
Katmai, Alaska
Animals

4 unsheltered people died outside in Anchorage in the past week. 2 of them were in wheelchairs.
Four unsheltered people, two of whom were in wheelchairs, have died outdoors in Anchorage over the past week as winter weather hits the city, highlighting the ongoing issue of homelessness and the need for preventative measures.

Emergency Phase Declared and Grindavík Evacuated
An emergency phase has been declared and the town of Grindavík in Iceland has been evacuated due to increased volcanic activity and damage from earthquakes, with residents being urged to seek safety in emergency relief centers.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland
Iceland Review

Extreme salmon lice outbreak in Iceland: Found 96 lice on average on each salmon
An extreme outbreak of salmon lice in Iceland has resulted in an average of 96 lice found on each salmon, causing outrage and protests against Norwegian fish farming companies.
Iceland

Otters making a comeback in Sweden
The otter population in Sweden is bouncing back after having been severely hit by hunting, road accidents and toxins in the environment in past decades.Since ...
Sweden

Snowstorm leaves aftermath of power outages; JBER Veterans Day ceremony canceled
A snowstorm in Southcentral Alaska causes power outages and leads to the cancellation of a Veterans Day ceremony, while crews work to clear roads and restore electricity.
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Biologists find 'concerning' decline in Dall sheep numbers in Yukon's Kluane region
Wildlife surveys in southwest Yukon have shown a 'concerning' decline in the number of Dall sheep — and biologists say recent snowy winters may be to blame.
Kluane Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada

Moose calves are lean and small – hunters are worried
Hunters are concerned about the small and lean size of moose calves, which may be due to various factors such as climate, dry weather, and late-born calves, leading to potential consequences for the moose population.
Drangedal, Vestfold, Norway

EPA plans to limit or eliminate salmon-killing tire chemical found in preliminary Alaska sampling
The EPA plans to limit or eliminate a chemical commonly used in car tires, known as 6PPD, after it was found to be fatal to salmon in preliminary Alaska sampling, in response to a petition from Native Tribes and several states, but the rulemaking process is expected to take years.

Avian flu decimates 5% of Peru's sea lions, sparking conservation alarm
Over 5,000 Peruvian sea lions, approximately 5% of Peru's population, succumbed to a mass mortality event linked to the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, signaling an urgent need for research and conservation efforts to prevent further declines. The rapid spread of the virus among these colonially breeding mammals highlights potential risks of cross-species transmission and the necessity for heightened monitoring to avert new pandemics.
San Gallán Island
News-Medical.net

Another 'pretty abysmal' year for Yukon River chinook and fall chum salmon
A minimum of 42,500 chinook are supposed to get to their Canadian spawning waters to meet conservation goals. Only 15,300 of those fish made it to Eagle, near the Yukon border.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Researcher illustrates animal behaviour in wildfire-burned forest
Geneviève Degré-Timmons, a PhD candidate, is studying why caribou use burned lands and when they stop using them, and has created a painting to represent the cycle of the boreal forest and caribou interactions within it.
Northwest Territories, Canada

Okanagan's water board calls for temporary ban on out-of-province boats
The Okanagan Basin Water Board is proposing a temporary ban on out-of-province boats entering British Columbia's waterways to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels that could cause significant harm to the ecosystem and cost the province millions of dollars annually.
Okanagen Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Kenai borough Assembly asks governor to declare east side set-net economic disaster
The Kenai borough Assembly has passed a resolution asking the governor to declare an economic disaster for set-netters on the east side of Cook Inlet in Alaska, due to the closure of the fishery this year resulting in significant economic losses.
Kenai, Alaska, United States

AI radar used to detect polar bears could be used for grizzly and black bears, too
A new AI radar system called "Bear-dar" has been developed to detect polar bears remotely and send alerts to notify people of their presence, and could potentially be used to detect grizzly and black bears as well, helping humans and bears coexist safely.
Canada

Extreme flooding on Alaska’s Arctic highway caused thaw-induced sinking in later years
Extreme flooding on Alaska's Arctic highway in 2015 caused thaw-induced sinking in the permafrost terrain up to 3 inches deep, with the most significant effects occurring in ice-rich areas, according to a newly published study.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, United States

Polar bears and whales in the spotlight of toxicological studies
Toxicological studies spotlight the effects of pollutants on polar bears and whales, with new research strategies being developed to understand their impact on marine life.
Arctic
The Independent Barents Observer

Pollution on the Liffey: Algal blooms at Blessington a threat to Dublin’s drinking water
Algal blooms in the Liffey River threaten Dublin's drinking water due to pollution and climate change, raising concerns about the safety of fish and the future impact on water treatment.
Valleymount, Leinster, Ireland
The Irish Times

Western Arctic Caribou Herd keeps shrinking, 2023 census shows
The Western Arctic Caribou Herd in Alaska has continued to decline, with a 7% decrease in population from the previous year, prompting concerns about the need for harvest reduction to preserve the herd.
Kobuk, Alaska, United States

UK study finds some species of seabirds are showing signs of developing immunity to avian influenza
A UK study has found that some species of seabirds are developing immunity to avian influenza, which has caused significant mortalities in wild bird populations and poses a threat to human health.
United Kingdom

A squeaky wheel with data: how Nipissing First Nation is healing environmental damage
Nipissing First Nation in Ontario, Canada is using innovative methods, such as aerating water and replacing invasive species with wild rice, to heal environmental damage and improve the ecosystem.
Ontario, Canada
The Narwhal

Expert Proposes Ban on Hunting Puffins
If puffin hunting is banned, that population is expected to decrease by over 10% over the next decade. If hunting continues to be permitted, however, the population is expected to decrease by 30% or even as much as 50% within that same period.
South Iceland
Iceland Review

Arctic Warming Triggers Abrupt Ecosystem Shift in North America Deepest Lake
The warming of the Arctic has caused a significant shift in the ecosystem of Great Slave Lake, with smaller diatoms replacing larger ones, potentially impacting the lake's productivity, carbon dynamics, food web, and nearby communities.
Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada
Eos

Bering Sea fishing group grapples with how to invest pollock profits in Western Alaska
Amid declining salmon runs, Coastal Villages Region Fund has shifted away from subsidizing village-based seafood processing. Coastal Villages used to pursue that mission in large part by operating smaller commercial fisheries for salmon and halibut. Each year, the fishing season was an opportunity to earn wages at the group’s processing facilities or for local fishermen to earn cash selling their catch — an economic lifeline for many families in one of the state’s poorest regions.
Quinhagak, Alaska, United States

North Atlantic right whale population has steadied, scientists say
The North Atlantic right whale population in Canada has stabilized, with no reported deaths since 2019, but there are still concerns about entanglements and low birth rates.
North Atlantic Ocean

New research off Cape Breton sheds light on pilot whale behaviour
New research off Cape Breton reveals that female pilot whales are the most frequent leaders during dives, often leading from the left or right flank, which could provide insights into mass strandings and help guide whales out of stranding situations more efficiently.
Cape Breton, NS, Canada

Lead pollution from small planes threatens human health, EPA finds
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that lead emissions from small planes pose a threat to public health, potentially leading to the agency's first-ever limits on lead fuel in aviation.

Chum Salmon Are Spawning in the Arctic. It’s an Ominous Sign
Chum salmon spawning in the Arctic may provide food for native fish species, helping them survive in the biologically unproductive waters, as scientists study the changing ecology of the region due to warming temperatures.
North Slope, Alaska
WIRED

Several birds in the forest are in great decline
Several bird species in the forest in Stord, Vestland, Norway are experiencing a significant decline, as indicated by the Raudlista 2021 report. Since 1980, 600 million birds in Europe have disappeared..
Stord, Vestland, Norway

New study hints at huge price tag from permafrost thaw in Alaska
A new study suggests that more than 75% of Earth's near-surface permafrost will be gone by the end of the century, leading to major implications for cold-climate regions like Alaska where permafrost covers the majority of the state and thawing is already well underway, resulting in sinking and unstable infrastructure and significant costs for adaptation.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States

Many municipalities have not upgraded sewage systems to cope with flash-flooding
Many municipalities still have outdated sewage systems that are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
Sweden

New Ambler Road draft expands on potential problems
The U.S. Department of the Interior released a 1,200-page supplemental environmental impact study (EIS) on the proposed Ambler Access Road in Alaska, which reveals potentially greater social and environmental impacts than previously thought, including concerns about disrupting traditional hunting and fishing lifestyles and causing permafrost thaw.
Ambler, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Hooper Bay's dunes, home to the community’s cultural history, are slipping into the sea
The sand dunes in Hooper Bay, Alaska, which serve as a protective barrier against storms and preserve the community's cultural history, are rapidly eroding and may lead to the relocation of the village. The dunes were once home to sod houses and artifacts dating back to 1600 A.D. The loss of the dunes threatens not only subsistence food resources but also the community's connection to its past. As the dunes continue to erode, there are concerns about the potential relocation of the community and the preservation of their stories and artifacts.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Possible cougar sighting in Whitehorse’s McIntyre neighbourhood
A possible cougar sighting has been reported in Whitehorse's McIntyre neighbourhood, with conservation officers taking the report seriously but considering it unconfirmed.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

Hooper Bay families displaced by Merbok could lose housing this month
Families in Hooper Bay, Alaska, who were displaced by Typhoon Merbok last year and currently live in low-income housing, may lose their housing by the end of the month due to the expiration of their temporary emergency placement.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States

Scientists count huge melts in many protective Antarctic ice shelves. Trillions of tons of ice lost
A new study reveals that four dozen Antarctic ice shelves have shrunk by at least 30% since 1997, with 28 of them losing more than half of their ice, raising concerns about sea level rise due to climate change.
Antarctica
The Associated Press

A year after Typhoon Merbok, some coastal Alaskans struggle to find subsistence foods
Coastal Alaskans in Hooper Bay and Chevak are struggling to find subsistence foods, such as berries and underground caches of roots called “mouse food”, due to the impact of Typhoon Merbok's storm surge and a cold, rainy summer.
Hooper Bay, Alaska, United States

Humpback whales increasingly sighted in Arctic Alaska waters better known as bowhead territory
Most of the humpbacks were seen near the Inupiat village of Point Hope, indicating a feeding hotspot in that area. While sightings farther north have been less numerous, there has still been an increase in recent years. The study suggests that climate change and the reduction of Arctic sea ice may be a factor in the expansion of humpback whale range.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

What lichens can tell us about climate and pollution
Lichens can provide valuable information about air quality and environmental conditions, as different species have different sensitivities to pollution and humidity levels, making them useful indicators of climate and pollution levels in a given area.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Nearly 1,000 migrating birds died after crashing into Chicago building
Nearly 1,000 migrating birds died after crashing into a building in Chicago due to a confluence of specific conditions, including unfavorable weather and lights being left on in the building.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
NPR

‘Without water, there is no life’: Drought in Brazil’s Amazon is sharpening fears for the future
The extreme drought sweeping across Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is already impacting hundreds of thousands of people and killing local wildlife.
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
AP News

Department reacts to sick and dead birds
The Department for Fisheries and Hunting in Greenland is responding to reports of sick and dead birds along the country's west coast and east coast, with concerns that it may be due to avian influenza, but the risk of transmission to humans is low.
Greenland
Sermitsiaq.AG

Unalaska under air quality advisory for Shishaldin volcano ashfall
Unalaska in Alaska is under an air quality advisory due to ashfall from the eruption of Mount Shishaldin on Unimak Island, with the advisory extended until Thursday.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States

More than 100 dolphins found dead in Brazilian Amazon as water temperatures soar
More than 100 dolphins have died in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in the past week as the region grapples with a severe drought, and many more could die soon if water temperatures remain high, experts say.
São Paulo, Brazil
CTVNews

Climate change brings cloudberry to Svalbard
After an exceptionally warm summer, ripe cloudberries are for the first time documented at 78° North.
Coal Bay Valley
The Independent Barents Observer

Harsh 2022-2023 winter impacts wood bison population
Most of the 28 yearlings that were released into the herd in during the summer of 2022 didn't survive.
Lower Innoko-Yukon River
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Feeding Birds in Fall and Winter in Alaska
Feeding birds can be as simple as scattering seeds on the ground, or a more sophisticated operation drawing a variety of species. But there are a few important details to keep in mind.

Rock Sandpiper: A hardy sandpiper lingering late
The hardy rock sandpiper is one of the last shorebirds to remain in Nome, Alaska, during October, feeding along rocky jetties despite the harsh conditions.

U.S. Energy Department climate scientist visits Utqiaġvik to highlight permafrost and climate change research
A U.S. Energy Department climate scientist visited UtqiaÄ¡vik to evaluate research progress on permafrost and climate change, highlighting the importance of accurate measurements and models in predicting future climate patterns in the Arctic.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

WWF calls for restrictions on most Baltic herring
The Baltic Sea's main herring stocks have fallen below target levels, which is an alarming sign of changes in the sea's ecosystem, according to WWF Finland.
Baltic Sea, Finland
News

‘Too hot’ for salmon: How climate change is contributing to the Yukon salmon collapse
Researchers say climate change is playing a big role in the collapse, which has left thousands of people along the river without the salmon they depend on.
Yukon River, Alaska

As climate change and high costs plague Alaska's fisheries, fewer young people take up the trade
As climate change and high costs impact Alaska's fisheries, fewer young people are entering the trade, posing challenges for the industry's future.

Methane beneath the Greenland ice sheet to intensify climate warming, scientists warn. A unique project to access the ice-sheet bed hopes to expose the scale of the danger
Scientists warn that methane trapped beneath the Greenland ice sheet could intensify climate warming as the ice melts, releasing the potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere at accelerating rates.

Research team reveals new results of bottom sediments and subsea permafrost temperatures in the Russian Arctic shelf
A research team has discovered that bottom sediment temperatures in the Russian Arctic shelf vary across different regions, with the Kara Sea having higher temperatures due to warm currents and large Siberian rivers, and the Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea having the lowest temperatures and thicker subsea permafrost, which is important for understanding the degradation of permafrost and methane emissions in the region.
Kara Sea
Phys.org

Road damage after rain
Evacuations due to the risk of landslides were lifted at Seyðisfjörður this morning. Rain in Neskaupstaður yesterday was on a once-in-a-century scale. Some roads have been badly damaged.
Neskaupstaður, East, Iceland
RÚV

High levels of 'forever chemicals' found in Swedish crayfish
Swedish crayfish sold in stores have been found to contain high levels of PFAS chemicals, with four out of seven packages exceeding the safety limit set by EU law, according to the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
Björkvik, Västerbotten, Sweden
Sveriges Radio

Slithering their way in: Common garter snakes are no longer a rarity in southwestern Newfoundland
Common garter snakes are no longer rare in southwestern Newfoundland, and researchers are conducting genetic work to determine their origin.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Saltwire

Southeast Alaska harvest data shows moose moving to new areas
Moose in Southeast Alaska are being harvested in new areas, indicating a potential expansion of their population and distribution.
Petersburg, Alaska, United States
KTOO

All animals to be culled at fur farms with bird flu infections
Last month the Finnish Food Authority ordered all minks to be put down at fur farms with diagnosed avian influenza infections. Now the order has been expanded to cover all animals at such farms. The agency’s latest order affects approximately 115,000 animals, including 109,000 foxes.
Ostrobothnia Province, Finland
News
Sarah Yoder, Kimberlee Beckmen, Bob Gerlach

Hoonah gives residents bear-resistant trash cans but most of Southeast Alaska can’t afford them
Hoonah, Alaska is providing residents with free bear-resistant trash bins to address the problem of bears getting into trash, but most towns in Southeast Alaska cannot afford them, leading to conflicts between bears and humans.
Hoonah, Alaska, United States

Bans on Swedish meat imports following swine fever outbreak
Countries including South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Phillipines have halted imports of Swedish pork following the recent discovery of African swine fever. 7 dead wild boars have now been confirmed infected.
Sweden

Efforts underway to save salmon trapped in B.C. lake due to drought
More than 80 per cent of B.C.'s water basins are experiencing level 4 or 5 drought conditions, with salmon in many parts of the province struggling to make it to their spawning grounds.
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

Hunters concerned there are too few moose in the Swedish forests
The number of moose in Swedish forests has decreased by a third in the past decade, leading hunters to worry about the future of the annual moose hunt and calling for lower hunting quotas to stabilize the population.
Sveriges Radio

Teller may move to higher ground
Teller is considering moving to a new subdivision site to avoid flood zones and eventually connect to water and sewer systems, with the project estimated to be completed by summer 2025.
Teller, Alaska, United States

A new e-waste program is recycling tons of batteries from rural Alaska
A new e-waste program in rural Alaska collected and recycled over 145,000 pounds of lead-acid batteries from 45 communities, addressing the challenge of hazardous waste disposal in remote areas.
KTOO

Can I safely eat the strawberries I picked?
"I am concerned about high levels of PFAS contamination in the drinking water?"
Cold Bay, Alaska, United States
Nadine Kochuten, Sarah Yoder, Brian Berube, Christy McDonald, Karen Pletnikoff, Bailey Richards

Retreating sea ice in Arctic affecting zooplankton behaviour
“Particularly when it comes to the topmost 20 metres of the water column, just below the sea ice, there was no available data on the zooplankton,” Hauke Flores, a researcher from the  Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI),said in a statement. “But it’s precisely this hard-to-reach area that’s most interesting,

After a disaster like Juneau’s August flood, mental health can be a neglected part of the recovery
August flooding in Juneau has resulted in severe damage to private homes. After such events physical damage to buildings and homes are obvious. What do the experts say about mental health challenges after events such as the Mendenhall Glacier event?
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska, United States

Alaska watches, nervously, as Ukraine war pushes more Russian oil through Bering Strait
While the ships are free to pass through the Bering Strait, its 55-mile width means that any spills would be likely to drift toward Alaska communities.

This famous Rocky Mountain glacier is dying, say scientists, warning us of what’s to come
Scientists have tracked the fate of the Peyto Glacier in the Rocky Mountains for decades as a global reference point. It’s disappearing faster than expected, which is a warning sign for communities downstream that depend on its water.
Banff, Alberta, Canada

Southeast commercial red and blue king crab fishery remains closed for upcoming season
The Southeast Alaska commercial red and blue king crab fishery will remain closed for the upcoming season due to low stock numbers, although some areas have shown signs of rebounding, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Alaska's News Source

Sitka’s tourism boom has brought a staggering increase in cigarette butts
Sitka's tourism boom has led to a significant increase in cigarette butt litter, prompting a monthly cleanup effort and concerns about the environmental impact of the litter.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

Severe Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters
Severe Vibrio vulnificus infections in the United States are associated with warming coastal waters, with an increase in infections in the Eastern United States and an expanded geographic range.
United States
CDC - Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00497 |

Sinking Permafrost Sinks Pipelines In Russia And Canada
Melting permafrost will increase the maintenance costs for critical infrastructure by $15.5 billion by mid-century but unable to prevent some $21.6 billion in damages. Nearly 70% of current infrastructure located on permafrost is at risk, including major oil and gas fields, pipelines, and mines.
Forbes

Pretty but pesky: Alaskans wage war on invasive plants
A "weed smackdown" at an Anchorage park is part of a long-running campaign to stop the spread of plants that are harming the natural ecosystem.

More than 25 tons of garbage were removed by volunteers of the Clean Arctic project in the north of Chukotka
Volunteers of the Clean Arctic project in the north of Chukotka, Russia, have removed more than 25 tons of garbage. The project aims to clean up the Arctic region and protect its fragile ecosystem. The volunteers have been working tirelessly to collect and dispose of waste, including plastic, metal, and other debris. The efforts have been successful in reducing pollution and preserving the natural beauty of the area. The project has received support from local communities and organizations, and it continues to make a positive impact on the environment.
Billings, Russia

The Hokksund family has water in their living room for the second time – probably won't be able to move home until next year
The Hokksund family in Drammen, Norway, has experienced flooding in their living room for the second time and may not be able to return home until next year due to ongoing flooding in the area.
Drammen, Buskerud, Norway

Bjørn Ole (13) was sucked into pipes in the floodwaters
– Han har hatt helt utrolig flaks, sier mor Cecilie etter at sønnen ble dratt gjennom et over 200 meter langt rør med flomvann.
Knapstad, Viken, Norway

N.W.T. fires have released 97 megatonnes of carbon, says European agency — 277 times what its people emit
Wildfires in the N.W.T have emitted 97 megatonnes of carbon into the air so far this year according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. That's 277 times more than what was caused by humans in the territory back in 2021.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Utqiagvik City asks residents to properly dispose of beluga bones or request help with cleanup
About five beluga carcasses were left at the NARL Boat Dock on Aug. 8, causing smell and potential wildlife hazard in the area. The bones were cleaned the same day but the city reminded residents they can get help with cleanup after susbsitence hunting.
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States

FEMA officials arrive in Juneau to assess flood damage
Due to recent flooding, FEMA assessors will work with state, local and tribal officials to determine if federal aid is warranted with flood and erosion damage.
Juneau Empire

Sunflower stars take center stage in kelp research
A decline in the population of sea otters, a well-known predator of urchins and other kelp-eating critters, led to the spread of “urchin barrens” along the Pacific coast, where urchins have mowed down entire kelp forests. Now, researchers are trying to figure out if, and how, other predators such as sunflower stars could play a complementary role in protecting the kelp forests.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

New Sitka research could help berry pickers adjust to climate change
In Southeast Alaska, and across the state, climate change is bringing more rainfall, less winter snowfall and hotter temperatures. According to the project’s lead researcher Alex McCarrel, those changes disrupt berry development because a berry plant’s life cycle is precisely tuned to its environment.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

State opens Kuskokwim River commercial fishing to 1 person
Commercial fishing openers are only available to individuals registered as catcher/sellers. On the Kuskokwim, the only one registered is Fran Reich.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Residents, engineers and scientists discuss permafrost thaw
The Permafrost and Infrastructure Symposium this month brought together over 50 scientists, engineers and residents this month, creating a space for them to exchange their perspectives on the effects of thawing permafrost in the Arctic.

Alaska to receive federal funds for fish-friendly culverts
The most-expensive project in the nationwide initiative is $25 million for Alaska to replace a dozen culvert sites along the Parks Highway.

NOAA increases reward to $20K for information on endangered sea lion killings
So far, 22 sea lions have been found, with signs of human interaction, including gunshot wounds.
Seward, Alaska, United States

N.W.T. man recounts nightmarish escape from wildfire — and how a Hay River man saved his life
A Fort Smith, N.W.T., man is recounting his terrifying effort to flee a wildfire with his wife a couple of weeks ago — and crediting a Hay River man for steering them out of danger.
Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

How the Maui wildfires devastated Lahaina, hour by hour
Survivors of the Maui fire in Lahaina say they were overwhelmed by the speed of the blaze, the smothering smoke and the lack of escape routes.
Lahaina, Hawaii, United States
Washington Post

Does monkshood, a purple flower that grows abundantly in Alaska, pose a danger to hikers and gardeners?
Monkshood, a common yet highly poisonous plant in Alaska, has seen an unusual bloom this year, raising concerns about its safety among hikers and gardeners. Experts affirm that while the plant is toxic, casual contact is unlikely to cause harm.

Wildfires in the Interior, potential drought in Southeast as record heat drags into August
There are now 140 active Interior wildfires, with Southeast Alaska seeing "abnormally dry" conditions.

Juneau’s worst glacial outburst flood destroys homes and displaces residents
“We started seeing structural timber,” one resident said. “And then I was like, ‘Oh, my God. That’s from houses upstream.'”

Alaska geologists dig into Bering Sea’s past storms to understand future ones
Extreme weather events like Typhoon Merbok are becoming more common, and many Alaska communities are wondering about the future.
Bering Sea

Secrets of the Lorino cliff
Scientists from Moscow State University have studied the Lorino cliff in the Chukotka region and discovered that the rapid retreat of the coast is due to the reduction of sea ice, and they recommend that villagers prepare for the transfer of coastal structures further inland.
Lorino, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Fish were plentiful, but fishermen scarce for Southeast Alaska’s first summer king opening
Southeast trollers brought in about 85,000 king salmon from July 1 to July 12, around 8,000 fish over the target for the first opener of the season. Nevertheless, the fishing was pretty good for the 500 boats that stayed in the game. Hagerman says three days of bad weather during the opener meant for some busy days during good conditions. A lot of the work involved shaking undersize kings, which were below the legal length of 28-inches, and trying to keep hooks free for bigger fish.
Southeast Alaska

Residents in Fort Smith, N.W.T., seeing more bears in town this year
Some residents in Fort Smith, N.W.T., say they're seeing more bears in and around town this year, and it's not clear why.
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada

Environmental activists work to reconnect Yukon villages with salmon amid subsistence restrictions
Amid the collapse of chum and chinook salmon on the river, the Smokehouse Collective is trying to build sustainable, resilient food systems for Native communities.
Yukon River, Alaska

Alarming, above-average ice loss in Greenland due to rising temperatures
Satellite images from NASA show the alarming and above-average ice loss in Greenland due to rising temperatures, with significant melting and a transformation of the snow cover observed during the 2023 melting season.
Greenland
Eye on the Arctic

Harmful algal bloom monitoring gets underway
The R/V Sikuliaq is a familiar sight in the Port of Nome. The ice-breaking research vessel is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This year, while the vessel is out at sea it will be collecting water that could signal whether a bloom is occurring.

How whale poo could be making the planet cleaner
The "whale pump hypothesis" claims nutrient-rich whale excrement feeds phytoplankton, a key producer of Earth's oxygen.

It’s so hot in Arizona, doctors are treating a spike of patients who were burned by falling on the ground
The temperature of asphalt and pavement and concrete and sidewalks in Arizona on a warm sunny day or summer afternoon is 180 degrees sometimes.
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
CNN

North Slope authorities urge inclusion of Iñupiat in wildlife management
North Slope experts think Indigenous experts should take the lead on wildlife management. When it comes to belugas, caribou and ice seals, managing agencies and researchers are often in charge of setting hunting regulations and analyzing the animals.

As climate change transforms the Arctic, Homeland Security must adapt, official says
The forces of climate change that are reducing ice cover and opening up the Arctic to more activity are making Alaska more important in regards to Homeland Security. For the Department, which has a combination of public safety, emergency response and law-enforcement functions, climate change is creating new challenges for which old responses are no longer adequate.

Sitka-based tour company is asking visitors to consider the cost of their emissions
Electric heat pumps help homeowners swap fossil fuel for renewable energy. To spread heat pumps across the region, Allen Marine is collecting small donations from thousands of visitors that pass through Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan on their whale watching and glacier tours each year.

As record heat bakes the Lower 48, Anchorage contends with its coolest summer in years
Anchorage is cool and wet this summer as the rest of the world bakes in the sun and heat.

'I'm definitely worried': Wildfire smoke means Yellowknife's air quality among worst in Canada
Clean, fresh air can be part of the draw for tourists to Canada's North — but they won't find it this week in Yellowknife due to wildfire smoke.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Extreme heat affects some airline flights, workers
Extreme heat around the nation is affecting some flights departing from airports including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Phoenix, which have had triple-digit temperatures this week.
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
The Brunswick News

Kodiak resident dies in hit-and-run during Saturday’s tsunami evacuation
A Kodiak woman died in a hit-and-run collision during Saturday’s tsunami warning and evacuation,
Kodiak, Alaska, United States

Hot, dry N.W.T. weather keeping the mosquitoes down or for now
An entomologist who works with the N.W.T. government said mosquito populations throughout the territory are lower than average. That’s because most types of mosquitoes "love water," and conditions in parts of the territory have been hot and dry instead.

Wildfire smoke, extreme heat continue to steamroll N.W.T. communities
Wildfire smoke has been blasting much of the N.W.T. lately, with air quality advisories in nearly every community Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, much of the territory is also coping with record-breaking heat.
Northwest Territories, Canada

Sen. Murkowski visits Pilgrim Hot Springs, Graphite One site
Graphite One is developing a plan for an open-pit graphite mine and is still in its exploration phase.

As the climate warms, the face of Denali National Park changes
The damage wrought to the park’s road by melting permafrost is creating a new reality affecting visitors, park staff, local businesses and potentially wildlife.
Denali National Park, Alaska

Bag upon bag of dead bird in Vadsø: 1000 seagulls were retrieved on Monday
No one knows how many birds are infected with avian influenza along the coast of Finnmark. In Vadsø, seagulls sit next to dozens of dead birds.
Vadsø, Finnmark Fylke, Norway
Sarah Yoder, Bob Gerlach, Andrew Ramey, Lars Flora

Southwestern Alaska is having its cloudiest summer in 30 years, climatologists say
A low-pressure front that’s stuck over the southern part of the Bering Sea has formed clouds, which the jet stream carries east into southern Alaska.
Southwest Alaska

Smoke from Canada wildfires reaches Southeast Alaska
People in Southeast Alaska are starting to see smoke from Canada's record-breaking wildfire season — and there’s more to come. The air quality levels are still fair: hovering around 17, on a scale that goes up to 300.
Petersburg, Alaska, United States

Shishaldin volcano in Eastern Aleutians increases activity, draws monitoring
Shishaldin is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutians — it’s had nearly 30 eruptions since 1824.
Shishaldin Volcano

Veterans who Served on Contaminated Alaskan Bases Faced Similar Health Hazards to Camp Lejeune
For countless US veterans, the Army’s mismanagement and careless disposal of hazardous substances since the early years of the Cold War have been an enduring source of debilitating and fatal consequences. Notorious instances such as the pervasive contamination at Camp Lejeune, where toxins leached into groundwater for over 30 years.
Jacksonville, North Carolina, United States
Alaska Native News

When Alaska wilderness adventures go wrong, mental mistakes are sometimes to blame
Adventures go wrong whether through failures of gear or navigation, not to mention the unpredictable weather and large, wild animals. Adventurers can make thinking errors that, in some cases, make an uncomfortable situation much worse.

Invasive slug species in Girdwood may be on the move; experts ask public for help tracking
An invasive species of mollusks, typically found in Southeast Alaska and established in Girdwood in 2015, have been reported in the Anchorage Bowl this year. “The European black slug is not necessarily new to Alaska,” Slowik said. “It was introduced into Cordova about the 1980s and it really stayed there for a long time.”
Girdwood, Alaska, United States

Covid-19 spread between humans and deer, study shows, raising concerns about animal reservoirs
People spread Covid-19 to wild white-tailed deer more than 100 times in late 2021 and early 2022. The infection circulated widely in the deer population in the United States, and in at least three instances, researchers suspect the virus was passed between deer where it picked up unique genetic changes and then re-infected humans.
United States
CNN

'Seeing is believing': VR project immerses viewers in climate change on Yukon's Herschel Island
The virtual reality project Qikiqtaruk: Arctic at Risk is transporting people to Yukon's northernmost point without them ever having to leave home.
Herschel Island, Canada

Keeping cans and computers out of the landfill: Dillingham's recycling initiatives
The Friends of the Landfill works with community partners to recycle aluminum cans and tech waste.
Dillingham, Alaska, United States
KDLG

Québec funds research to adapt Nunavik public housing to thawing permafrost
The Quebec government has allocated over $2 million to research and develop a plan to adapt public housing in Nunavik to the effects of thawing permafrost, which can cause damage to units built on jacks.
Inukjuak, Quebec, Canada

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Rising sea levels will make the mess worse.
This rural part of the island of Oahu is not connected to city sewers — and waste from toilets, sinks and showers is mostly collected in hundreds of pits called cesspools. Rising seas are also pushing groundwater closer to the surface, allowing cesspool effluent to mix with the water table and flow into the ocean.
Waialua, Hawaii, United States

The Arctic Climatologist Calling Attention to a Looming Data Crisis
Rick Thoman is thinking hard about the cost of climate change and the benefits of better tracking, potentially influencing Alaska’s response to extreme weather and more.

U.S. Forest Service awards grants to boost Tongass logging
The two Alaska grants are aimed at retooling mills to harvest young growth timber in the Tongass National Forest rather than old growth.
Petersburg, Alaska, United States

Retreating Arctic glaciers leave bubbling methane in their wake, scientists warn
Scientists found that the glaciers are triggering the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that causes global temperatures to rise.
Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Polish scientists probe possible food-chain link to H5N1 avian flu in cats
Scientists say they found the virus in one of five submitted chicken meat samples that the cats ate.
Poland

How e-bikes are becoming the norm on Anchorage trails
E-bikes offer riders added range, mobility and approachability. But they also potentially bring an added element of increased speed to mixed-use trails that are already buzzing with activity.

Urban Alaska can learn from energy innovation in rural Alaska
The state’s rural areas lead the world in renewably powered microgrids. So if the grid of the future is being incubated in rural Alaska, can urban Alaska, like the Railbelt, benefit from some of these strategies and lessons learned?

PAWS of Nome seeks funding for bark park, wildlife fencing
With recent events between Musk ox, humans, and dogs, Nome looks for solutions to mitigate the problem. As they graze on patches of grass, often within city limits, the potential for dog conflict and even human interactions are becoming common.

Heat waves like the one that's killed 14 in the southern US are becoming more frequent and enduring
Heat waves like the one that engulfed parts of parts of the South and Midwest and killed more than a dozen people are becoming more common.
Southern States, United States
Washington Post

By breeding like crazy, voles underpin wildlife food chain in Alaska
Voles breed like crazy. They can have three or four litters of six to eight kits each summer. Babies are born hairless, but are weaned and on their own in less than three weeks. Females are ready to breed at 30 days.

Mountains frozen for thousands of years are collapsing as global temperatures rise
Scientists say that rising global temperatures are causing collapsing mountains as ancient permafrost begins to thaw.
Brienz, Bern, Switzerland
BGR

Fallout of French nuclear testing in Pacific still affecting men decades later
Kiwi crews exposed to radiation at Mururoa Atoll hold concerns for subsequent generations.
French Polynesia
NZ Herald

Global heat waves show climate change and El Niño are a bad combo
Scientists say worsening heat waves have a clear link to climate change. This year, a seasonal El Niño pattern will also be adding fuel to the fire.
Pacific Ocean
KTOO

Cook Inlet beluga whale population stabilizes
Beluga whales in Cook Inlet have been in a long period of decline, about two percent a year. But a new population count points to a reversal. The latest numbers have led researchers to declare the population stable for the first time in decades.
KNBA

'Alaska Weather' show will halt TV broadcast in July, raising concerns among many rural Alaskans
A long-running television show, "Alaska Weather" unique to Alaska that provides detailed weather, aviation and marine forecasts across the state will stop airing at the end of June. Especially in rural communities where many residents rely on the show for weather and safety information that's vital to coordinating flights and planning subsistence hunts or commercial fishing trips.

Study: Erosion has made the Bering Strait a meter deeper on the Alaska side than it used to be
A research project found that the Bering Strait is at least a meter deeper on the Alaska side than previously believed, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center. The project evaluated new and old bathymetric surveys, applying modern technology to the latter to more accurately pinpoint locations.
Bering Strait

Borough wood stove change-out program continues
As the Fairbanks North Star Borough continues to tweak plans to improve air quality in its nonattainment zone, its wood stove change-out program continues to grow.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Dunleavy again vetoes research project on salmon bycatch
$513,000 was vetoed in state budget that would have looked into the origin of salmon caught by the Bering Sea pollock fleet.

Bristol Bay sportfishing regulations change, in response to concerns over king salmon decline
As king salmon decline in the Bristol Bay region, changes to king salmon harvest include reduced bag limits, area closures, as well as the introduction of youth-only fisheries in the Naknek River.
Bristol Bay, Alaska
KDLG

Scientist warns of heightened PSP toxins' impact on Yukon salmon
Knik Tribe officials have found very high levels of the toxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning in samples from Southern Alaska mussels and clams — but they warn that parts of some fish, including king salmon, may also contain the toxin

In 'major victory' for Southeast Alaska trollers, federal appeals panel reverses fishery closure
A federal appeals panel issued a last-second ruling Wednesday that will allow this summer’s Southeast Alaska troll chinook salmon fishery to open as scheduled July 1.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

BLM to restore water quality, fish habitat along Upper Yukon River
The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District and Trout Unlimited, are restoring mining-impacted streams along the upper Yukon River watershed. Projects will improve water quality and fish habitat along Nome and Wade Creeks.
Yukon, Alaska, United States
Alaska Native News

Ongoing internet outage hamstrings 911, other vital services in Northwest Alaska
It’s been a week since ice severed a fiber optic cable in the Arctic Ocean, cutting communications to several Northwest Alaska communities.

How to Siifish: Traditional Knowledge from the Northwest Arctic
This film is for young people and anyone in the Northwest Arctic who is curious about how (and why) to siifish, and how to process the fish after catching.
YouTube

Drought and rising heat bring unusual wildfire warnings in Northern Europe
Northern Europe is experiencing an unusual heat wave and drought, making the region more vulnerable to forest fires, with firefighters battling wildfires in Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and southern France, and temperatures expected to hit 86 degrees Fahrenheit in Finland, rare for a country straddling the Arctic Circle.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Los Angeles Times

How they save the kelp forest in the north – from "sea urchin desert" to the sea's nursery
During the 1970's much of the Norwegian coastline was overfished. In the past, a kelp forest provided shelter and food for local sealife. Today, the seabed, along the Norwegian coastline is a sea urchin desert. Researchers, volunteers, and the "Kelp Keepers" in Tromso, are removing the sea urchins and rebuilding the kelp forest.
Tromsø, Troms, Norway

World breaks average temperature record for early June
"Global-mean surface air temperatures for the first days of June 2023 were the highest in the ERA5 data record for early June by a substantial margin", said Copernicus. Some of the unit's data goes back as far as 1950.
Le Monde.fr

EPA has new rules for oil spill dispersants
Dispersants may break up an oil slick, sparing some birds and wildlife at the surface, but may increase the oil contamination for species that live lower in the water column. The toxicity of dispersants themselves is also a concern for cleanup workers and other wildlife. A group of Alaskans filed a lawsuit in 2020 to force the EPA to rewrite the rules to take into account research on the long-term effects of dispersants in Prince William Sound and elsewhere.
Valdez, Alaska, United States

Invasive pike can use Cook Inlet to travel between freshwater systems, research finds
Now, for the first time, researchers have concrete evidence that northern pike could use the ocean to move between freshwater Alaska habitats.
Soldotna, Alaska, United States

Want to help Alaska biologists log migratory fish? There's an app for that.
Biologists and others are hoping that a new phone app will encourage Alaskans to help map fish species living in the state's rivers and streams.

Indigenous communities in B.C., Alaska, declare state of emergency over Pacific salmon
A group of Indigenous communities from Alaska and B.C. has declared a state of emergency related to Pacific salmon populations, and says First Nations need to be more involved in managing traditional resources.
British Columbia, Canada

Contaminated soil from Pond Inlet diesel spill to stay put
A diesel spill in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, resulted in 7,000 litres leaking from a damaged pipeline, with some contaminated soil left in place to maintain structural integrity.
Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
CBC News

As ticks gain ground in Alaska, researchers say health risk remains low for now
Those studying ticks in Alaska currently are more concerned about non-native ticks hitching a ride on pets that arrive in the state from Outside, and infecting wildlife here.

Two icebreakers escort gas tanker in first summer shipment on Arctic route
Ice lies thick on the water as nuclear powered icebreakers "Sibir" and "Arktika" escort LNG carrier "Fedor Litke" into the Vilkitsky Strait en route to a Northeast Asian port.
Vilkitsky Strait, Russia

Salmon are disappearing on the Yukon and Kuskokwim. Here’s what to know about the crisis this summer.
Chinook (king) and chum are the major salmon species on the Yukon and Kuskokwim. They’ve been at historically low numbers in both rivers for years. The coho (silver) returns have also dropped.This will be the fourth year subsistence fishing has been closed or severely restricted on both rivers. The region is bracing for another dismal subsistence harvest.
Bethel, Alaska, United States

Ancient Indigenous 'clam gardens' could be modern-day climate solution
For close to four millennia, "clam gardens" on beaches on the west coast of B.C. have provided First Nations with a supply of not just clams but other types of seafood. Scientific experimentation by researchers from Simon Fraser University, in collaboration with Coastal Salish First Nations, indicates clam gardens help sea life stay cooler. The research aims to show how ancient Indigenous practices offer a modern-day solution to coping with climate change.
Russell Island,, British Columbia, Canada

Avian influenza has returned to Alaska, and so have health advisories
The highly pathogenic disease circling the globe stands out for its effects on wild birds, and experts say Alaskans should be on the lookout for cases.

Sail, solar panels, battery. Norwegian zero-emission cruise concept revealed
Hurtigruten Norway says the first zero-emission coastal cruise vessels will be sailing in 2030.

Millions breathing hazardous air as smoke from Canadian wildfires streams south over US
The air quality index, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency metric for air pollution, exceeded a staggering 400 at times in Syracuse, New York City and Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. A level of 50 or under is considered good; anything over 300 is considered “hazardous,” when even healthy people are advised to curtail outdoor physical activity.
New York City, New York, United States
AP NEWS

Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by 2030s, say scientists
The Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even if we do a good job of reducing emissions between now and then.

Alaska's spring was colder than average, while other places baked (so, yes, global warming is still a thing)
Lingering snow and cloudy days resulted in temperatures about 3.5 degrees below the statewide average from March through May.

A large fish that fills freezers in Northwest Alaska could be in danger
Following a thaw slump, the water becomes cloudy and full of sediment, potentially suffocating the eggs of spawning sheefish. Scientists are concerned that permafrost thaw could lead to declines in the sheefish population, a staple food for many Alaskans.

COVID vaccination effective in protecting vulnerable Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, study says
A study by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp and the CDC found that COVID vaccination was 92% effective in preventing hospitalizations and extremely effective at preventing symptomatic cases among the mostly Yupik residents of the region, with booster shots restoring protection against symptomatic cases.
KYUK

Tiny but tenacious: arctic-alpine plants are engineers and warning bells
When most people consider the arctic, or high-altitude mountain landscapes, they think of endless snow, ice and bare rock. But pastel-coloured flowers, sometimes just a few millimetres wide, bloom in these dramatic places too. The miniature flowers not only weather some of the toughest habitats on Earth, but can also help engineer the landscape for other species.

As Arctic warms, female arctic ground squirrels end hibernation before males – a mismatch with consequences
As Alaskan permafrost warms, hibernating arctic ground squirrels generate less heat, causing females to emerge from hibernation up to 10 days before their male counterparts – a mismatch that could have large, cascading ecological impacts. While reduced thermogenesis due to warming temperatures could allow the squirrels to conserve energy and, thus, increase winter survival, a shortened hibernation season could also increase the exposure of the animals to hungry predators, altering mortality rates, particularly for earlier emerging female squirrels. The phenological mismatch between the sexes may also disrupt reproductive rates. And over longer time scales, continued warming in the Arctic may lead to changes in male squirrel seasonal behaviors, say the authors.
EurekAlert!

Homer police take Grubby the opossum into custody
Homer police confirmed the Wednesday capture of the “wanted fugitive and somewhat local celebrity," otherwise known as an invasive species.
Homer, Alaska, United States

Replaced artificial turf a year ago – the environmentally damaging knobs are still here
Tromsø IL thought the municipality would reuse the deck. Now they will probably have to pay over a million kroner to have it removed.
Troms, Norway

High risk of wildfires in many parts of Sweden
The risk of wildfires is biggest locally in Skåne, Gotland and eastern parts of southern and central Sweden.Inland in the far north of Norrland is also ...
Haninge, Stockholm, Sweden

More than half of the world's largest lakes are shrinking. Here's why that matters
Researchers found the global decline in water storage was equivalent to 17 Lake Meads — the largest reservoir in the U.S.
Lake Mead, Nevada

Puffin Population Declining More Rapidly than Previously Believed
The Icelandic puffin population has shrunk by 70% in the last thirty years. The Managing Director of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF) has stated that this is bad news for the ecosystem and for companies within the tourist sector, who have marketed the puffin as a kind of national symbol. Decline much worse than […]
Iceland

Rare tropical permafrost near Mauna Kea’s summit diminishing, researchers find
Rare tropical permafrost near Mauna Kea's summit is diminishing, with frozen soil patches showing signs of shrinking over time, according to researchers, who suggest there is no lasting way to prevent it from melting.
Manua Kea Volcano

Bering Sea 2019 heatwave produced extreme change
The Bering Sea region is front and center for federal fisheries researchers after the 2019 heatwave produced extreme change in the marine ecosystem.
Bering Sea Region

Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why?
Scientists think a traumatized orca initiated the assault on boats after a "critical moment of agony" and that the behavior is spreading among the population through social learning.
Straits of Gilbratar
livescience.com

Alaska Senate passes bill to create carbon credits for preserved forest land
The bill, which got unanimous approval, seeks to help Alaska earn money by allowing its tree-covered tracts to continue absorbing carbon dioxide.

In April, a record 8 people believed to be homeless died outside in Anchorage
But the data illustrates a circumstance both unseen and commonplace in Alaska’s biggest city: In April, unhoused people were found dead on a sidewalk, in a ditch, in a sleeping bag tucked in the corner of a parking lot, along the state’s busiest highway.

As migrating birds return to Alaska, state veterinarian warns of continued avian influenza threat
The threat to many species of wild birds and backyard poultry flocks is the same or greater than it was last year, said Dr. Bob Gerlach.

Alaska sends firefighters, air tanker to help with Alberta’s ‘unprecedented’ early wildfire season
“This is the first time that we’ve sent a crew to Canada in May,” said Lily Coyle with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Alberta, Canada

19 cruise ships scheduled to visit Unalaska this season, with UVB 'optimistic' after several challenging years
After decrease tourism during the pandemic Unalaska prepares for summer tourism season and a way for the community to share the history, culture, and environmental stewardship of the Unangan people,
Unalaska, Alaska, United States

Microplastics: we've found startling quantities in the ice algae that are essential for all Arctic marine life
Arctic ice algae contain microplastics and the quantities were startling - a magnitude ten times higher than recorded in the surrounding water.
Arctic

One gardener’s ambitious plan to plant half a million carrots is growing Kodiak’s local food movement
You could say Dave Jackson is Kodiak’s carrot kingpin. Carrots are one of the key vegetables in the gardening/farming practices in the archipelago's of Alaska
Kodiak, Alaska, United States

EPA proposes strictest-ever limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
A rule unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency could force power plants to capture smokestack emissions using a technology that has long been promised but is not in widespread use in the U.S.

Dozens express frustration about idea to reduce caribou harvest
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Subsistence Management held the second public hearing on May 2 about the proposal to reduce the caribou harvest limit for resident hunters across the range of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd from five caribou per day to four caribou per year, only one of which may be a cow.
Northwest Arctic and North Slope, Alaska
Arctic Sounder

Ireland follows a global trend for increased whale and dolphin beachings
Ireland’s major contribution to the study of whales comes from an accidental stranding off the coast of Wexford.
Wexford, Ireland
The Irish Times

Why Arctic Fox are the brazen bullies of the North
Arctic Foxes are curious animals of the North and often will befriend humans and not be afraid. Often times they move into other fox areas and territory.
Kolguev Island, Barents Sea, Russia

This year’s El Niño weather pattern could mean more storms for southern Alaska
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared this year’s climate to be an El Niño year, based on Pacific Ocean conditions.
Pacific Ocean

Analysis: Fears mount for the Arctic as cooperation with Russia stalls
For nearly three decades, the Arctic Council has been a successful example of post-Cold War cooperation. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a freezing of relations; what risks do the breakdown of Arctic collaboration pose to the region?
Arctic

A Chugiak trailer park under eviction notice lacks clean water and sits on contaminated land. Many residents are fighting to stay.
Tenants in the Forest Park trailer court say they have few, if any, affordable options. Some officials see a warning sign of a worsening housing crisis to come.
Chugiak, Alaska, United States

Drones could make Juneau’s avalanche monitoring faster and more precise
The new project with drone maker DJI will try to get a bigger picture than fieldwork trips with more frequent, automated drone flights.

OPINION: The end of an era for Alaska fishing may already be here
This summer, Kenai Peninsula beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai will be empty of setnets and buoys. Family-run commerial fishing businesses, a major economic force in the Cook Inlet region since territorial days, have been shut down and may not be coming back.
Homer, Alaska, United States

Alaska state agency gives preliminary approval to Valdez ski resort effort
Three Valdez residents behind the proposed ski area say a resort could provide year-round tourism opportunities as more cruise ships arrive and the oil industry declines.
Valdez, Alaska, United States

10 billion snow crabs disappeared from the Bering Sea. Scientists and fishermen are working to learn why.
Such a large, sudden die-off and a lack of sea ice were a red flag for scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Citizen observers help scientists predict breakup flooding
As Alaska faces an increased risk of spring breakup flooding this year, scientists are asking residents to share photos documenting major rivers’ progress from ice to water to help them predict with more accuracy where flooding might occur.
Tanana, Alaska, United States

Unalakleet mayor says work on water system to begin this summer
State officials say Unalakleet will see work to improve conditions on its water system in the near future.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

Why disposable vapes are becoming an environmental liability
In this week's issue of our environment newsletter, we look at the ecological cost of disposable vapes.

A young Yup’ik climate advocate is committed to centering Indigenous knowledge in science
Charitie Ropati, 21, wants to reimagine scientific research to include her traditional values, like community and collective wellbeing.
Kongiganak, Alaska, United States

Research spotlights the impact of climate change on Pacific salmon migration
Climate change is knocking some Pacific salmon out of alignment with the growth of the ocean plankton they eat to survive, new research says.
British Columbia

China puts pressure on more mining in Norway
As of today, China controls 98 percent of the rare earths that Europe needs for the green shift. Høgre writes that the Fens field has "the greatest potential to break the Chinese dependence"
Skien, Telemark, Norway

Rabies in Alaska bats is very rare, but caution is warranted, state medical experts say
State officials say Alaskans who encounter bats should avoid any physical contact. The state's last rabid bat was found last June near Juneau.

Snowverloaded: Kenai Peninsula residents deal with extended winter
Since the first big winter storms, snow on the western Kenai Peninsula has collapsed roofs, broken gas meters and raised backcountry avalanche risk. “I think we can safely say that this was the most snow in any winter for the northwest Kenai Peninsula since the winter of 2011, 2012,” said Rick Thoman.
Soldotna, Alaska, United States

Research shows a significant increase in rabid red foxes around Nome
Of the 61 red foxes counted in and around Nome between February and March 2023, nearly one quarter were positive.

Fears trouble if Norway try to advertise whale meat abroad
The whaling industry and whale experts believe Norway must promote whale meat. The Minister of Fisheries fears that this could ruin the sale of other Norwegian seafood.

Fears that thousands of solar panels will ruin the view
Today, they can look out over spruce forests and fields. But where the forest stands, there can be a solar power plant the size of 80 football fields.

World's biggest cumulative logjam mapped in the N.W.T. and it stores tons of carbon
If added altogether, deposits of wood across the Mackenzie River Delta would cover a third of Yellowknife. Researchers calculated how much carbon it stores — which is at risk of entering the atmosphere more quickly as the climate changes.
Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

E-fuel: Norwegian invests in aviation fuel in Mosjøen as first in the country
Norwegian invests NOK 50 million to build Norway's first e-fuel factory. Airline company Norwegian thus hopes to reach its own climate goals, and using e-fuel rather than jet fuel.
Mosjøen, Nordland, Norway

As rural communities prepare for climate change, a UAA scientist is trying to connect them with data
Dr. Micah Hahn received an EPA grant to make air quality and health data easier to access in rural Alaska.

Pet owners advised to keep dogs and cats away from dead birds
With geese and other wild birds returning to the region every day, New Brunswick dog and cat owners should be aware of the risk of avian influenza, says the registrar of the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association.
New Brunswick, Canada

Northwest Arctic and North Slope borough officials support Ambler road despite some local opposition
Ambler Elder Virginia Commack said that the borough's decision does not reflect the opinion of many Northwest Arctic residents. This month, almost 80 Northwest Arctic residents, current and former, signed the petition against the development of the Ambler road project. When the Alaska Department of Natural Resources held two public hearings last year, out of about 37 people who called, only two spoke in support of the project.
Ambler, Alaska, United States

As migratory birds return, so does potential for avian flu outbreaks
State veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach said the virus never left Alaska in the winter months, and has spread beyond the local bird population.

'Whale is the center of everything'
On the north slope, the whale brings together and sustains life for everyone. "We have a bond with the animals. They fed us, they clothed us, they sheltered us since time immemorial. Without them, we wouldn't survive the Arctic."

Alaska had a quieter year for earthquakes in 2022, new report says
Last year, over 47,000 earthquakes were recorded in Alaska and nearby regions, a slight decrease in seismic activity compared to recent years.

Haaland defends Alaska's Willow project, says U.S. won’t end oil drilling
“We’re not going to say we’re not going to use gas and oil. That’s not reality,″ Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Friday.
Nuiqsut, alaska

Stoney Nakoda Nations elders, knowledge keepers share traditional ways to respect bears
Many hikers in Southern Alberta head to the trails in spring equipped with bear spray, singing or saying hey bear, woah bear, to warn the animal they're around the corner. Elders and knowledge keepers from Stoney Nakoda Nations have their own approach, and lessons to share when it comes to co-existence.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Wild reindeer committee wants to remove musk ox from Dovrefjell
The musk oxen attract a lot of tourists, and generate a lot of traffic into reindeer areas.
Snøhetta, Norway

The insects of Lynn Canal are coming out
A caddisfly was reportedly seen circling a Haines light bulb. A large mosquito was observed landing on a pile of wood. Armstrong says nowadays he sees fewer insects than in past years. Studies around the world confirm this observation.
Lynn Canal, Haines, Alaska, United States

How will climate change affect Arctic agriculture?
“Warmer and wetter winters shorten the winter season and prolong the growing season, which give rise to new opportunities. Among other things, this includes higher annual yield with several harvests, along with the possibility to grow new, more productive crop varieties and species,” says Dr Sigridur Dalmannsdottir at NIBIO.

Antibiotic-resistant microbes lurk in poop of Anchorage moose, UAA research finds
The big animals that roam Alaska’s largest city are carrying bacteria that cannot be killed by commonly used medicines.

How melting Arctic ice could be fueling extreme wildfires in Alaska
As Western wildfires get more destructive, scientists are finding a far-off connection to shrinking ice on the Arctic Ocean.

Evolution of H3 avian influenza virus in China: Implications for pandemic preparedness
This paper analyzes the evolution of the H3 subtype of avian influenza virus in China from 2009 to 2022, including its spatial and temporal distribution and genetic changes. The findings have implications for pandemic preparedness.
China
News-Medical.net

Amendment Not Sufficient to Encourage Tuna Fishing
Efforts to encourage Icelandic fisheries to make use of Atlantic bluefin tuna catch quotas allotted to Iceland have yet to prove fruitful. While tuna goes for high prices, specialised ships are necessary to make tuna fishing profitable. Chartering foreign boats to develop tuna fishing experience within the Icelandic fishing industry would require authorisation from the […]

Climate change thaws world's northernmost research station
At the world’s northernmost year-round research station, scientists are racing to understand how the fastest-warming place on Earth is changing — and what those changes may mean for the planet’s future.
Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

A small but growing group of EV owners in Alaska show electric cars can work in the frigid north
Chugach Electric Association estimates there are more than 2,300 EVs (including plug-in hybrids) on the road in Alaska. That’s still a tiny percentage of the total cars, but in Anchorage alone, that number went up by 120% since June 2021. Drivers say modern EVs can handle the winter conditions just fine.

Analyzing the fat of killer whales reveals what they eat
Scientists are studying the diets of the oceans’ top predators as they change in response to their environments. This is because how much and what they eat can affect how ecosystems function.

Will heavy snow cover dampen Alaska’s fire season? Experts say don’t count on it.
Alaska fire officials brace for hotter, more intense fire seasons to come.

Climate change is impacting bird migration patterns. Here's what we know
Climate change is affecting all aspects of our land, and also what flies in our sky. Bird migration is changing as average temperatures rise. So what does that mean for our bird species?

Positive tests for tick-borne illness in N.S. dogs up sharply, says vet
The number of dogs testing positive for tick-borne illnesses has nearly doubled this year, says a Nova Scotia veterinarian. Jeff Goodall, the owner and a veterinarian at Sunnyview Animal Care, said the problems go beyond Lyme disease. Anaplasmosis is also a concern. He said dogs have been testing positive for tick-borne illnesses throughout the winter.
Nova Scotia, Canada

2022 Bering Sea algal bloom was one of the largest, most toxic ever observed nationwide
Last July, researchers detected high concentrations of a toxin-producing algae offshore in the Bering Strait region.
Bering Straits

What is Iceland's Energy Mix?
Historically of all stationary energy produced in Iceland, some 70% is hydroelectric and 30% is geothermal. In figures recently released on 2021 energy usage in Iceland, it has come to light that 63% of energy used in Iceland was produced by fossil fuel, 24% by nuclear power, and only 13% by renewable energy sources.

Flight disruptions continue Friday in Alaska as volcanic ash drifts from Russia
A long, thin cloud of ash began drifting toward the Aleutian Islands on Wednesday and continued east toward the Gulf of Alaska, where it caused major disturbances for air traffic starting Thursday. Volcanic ash is a danger to planes because it is abrasive and can cause engines to fail. Alaska Airlines canceled 51 flights that day, the company said in a statement. Alaska Airlines canceled 11 flights by 6 a.m. and said more are possible, with delays likely through the day.
Shiveluch Volcano

Thousands of seals to be hunted — to protect fisheries
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has allowed for 1,500 grey seals to be hunted in the Baltic Sea and 630 harbour seals on the west coast.

Ash from Russian Shiveluch Volcano cancels Alaska flights
Due to ash from the volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, Alaska Airlines canceled eight flights Wednesday between Anchorage and Western Alaska airports in Adak, Bethel, Dillingham and King Salmon.
Aleutian Islands, Alaska

China records first H3N8 bird flu death, WHO says
Three cases of H3N8 detected in China since 2022 as WHO says strain doesn’t appear to spread easily between humans. First case resulting in death occurred in China.
Dongguan, Guangdong, China
the Guardian

Bringing human, animal and environmental health together: One Health in practice across the WHO European Region
From a scourge and an enemy to be beaten, to a wake-up call and an opportunity to build back better, the COVID-19 pandemic has been called many things. Those working in the public health, animal health, and environment sectors agree on this: As we build back better post-pandemic, we must step up One Health efforts to better prepare for and respond to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

Western Alaska chum bycatch limits are moving forward — slowly
Potential new limits on the accidental catch of chum salmon by pollock trawlers are still years away from being implemented.
Dutch Harbor, Alaska, United States

One Health for One Planet: Ecocentric Policy for Personal and Planetary Wellbeing
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a plan to control the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 from animals to humans. To succeed — and to thrive — we need to renegotiate our relationship with all other species.
California, United States
KCET

At least 16 roof failures reported, and winter isn’t over yet
Anchorage municipal officials say at least 16 roofs have buckled in the city this winter under heavy snow and ice, and they’re wary of additional collapses after another storm dropped more snow this weekend.

Adaptive monitoring of the arctic fox in the Norwegian low Arctic
Arctic species are currently under multiple pressures and several are red-listed. Adaptive ecosystem-based monitoring and management applied to the critically endangered arctic fox in Finnmark, illustrates how such pressures can be uncovered and potentially mitigated.
Finnmark, Norway

Canadian experts decry continuation of Alaska study on parasite afflicting Yukon River chinook salmon
Alaska researchers will continue a controversial study this year on a parasite in Yukon River chinook salmon that requires killing hundreds of fish, a move that’s drawn sharp criticism from Canadian experts.

Fish hatcheries, long seen as a last resort, get a new look amid Yukon River salmon crisis
First Nations groups in the Yukon Territory and Alaska GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration are advancing discussions about whether hatcheries could help stem a steep crash in salmon populations on the Yukon River.

The birds are back in town. Spring migration could fuel spread, evolution of avian flu, scientists warn
Across Canada, an estimated seven million birds and counting have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza during a devastating global outbreak that shows no signs of winding down. Now, as millions more migrate north, scientists warn it’s yet another opportunity for this virus to spread and evolve.

The Bering Sea’s smallest organisms are losing fat, putting larger predators at risk
Large, high-fat copepods — distantly related to shrimp and crab — are dwindling and loosing fat with the lack of sea ice from global warming.

A Homer scientist is bringing changes in Arctic permafrost into high-resolution
With Arctic permafrost thaw rapidly outpacing projections, researchers are racing to understand the impacts of an increasingly unstable future.
Homer, Alaska, United States

Alaska gets $38M federal grant for climate-related housing disaster recovery
The State of Alaska recently received $38 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ease the burden of climate change. The money was made available through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. These funds are aimed at helping communities better rebound from presidentially declared disasters, but Salazar says the state will be allowed to allocate the new funds for preventative measures.

Alaska extends studded-tire removal deadlines in wake of snowy winter
Drivers in much of Alaska including Anchorage will have until May 15 to remove studded tires; those in southern areas will have until May 1.

Airline passengers could be in for a rougher ride, thanks to climate change
In March, Ingrid Weisse, her husband and two young sons were aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 889, headed home from Portland, Ore. to Hawaii, when the Boeing 737 began buffeting so fiercely that it felt as if the plane would shake itself apart. The reason for this is clear-air turbulence, As global temperatures increase due to rising levels of greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide, the jet stream is experiencing more wind shear.

Y-K Delta women describe the realities of living with climate change for foreign dignitaries
The relocation between from Newtok to Mertavik has taken time and community members stay patient as local, state, and federal agencies figure out the complex funding and logistical hurdles.
Newtok, Alaska, United States

Hawaii's lawmakers mull imposing fees to pay for ecotourism crush
Taking care of Hawaii's unique natural environment takes time, people and money. Now Hawaii wants tourists to help pay for it.
Hawaii, United States

Alaska marine debris experts call for tighter regulation and more cleanup funding
Coordinating teams to collect and sort marine debris, plus shipping it to a landfill or recycling center is an expensive logistical nightmare as Alaska waters increase with marine debris.

Sea ice loss affects biodiversity, economy and travel safety, hunters and scientists say during a conference
"Siku" means sea ice in the Siberian Yup'ik language. But about a hundred other Yup'ik words describe different types of sea ice, including icebergs, floating pressure ice ridges, solid ice safe for travel — and "pequ," "an unsuitable area in ice field where the current causes ice to heave up or break up," Vera Metcalf said.
Alaska

Hunting, visual storytelling and loss: Utqiaġvik photographer speaks at the Arctic at youth panel
Story telling provides a powerful tool in a changing climate. Epen Hobson has been experiencing the land and ocean through the perspective of an Inuit photographer and hunter. A recipient of the Arctic Resilient Communities Fellowship he shares, "We're an oral people, we tell stories, we teach by telling stories," The effects of climate change are concrete and dramatic for the Arctic communities such as Utqiagvik, and Hopson is hungry to see infrastructure and policy solutions to address them.

Forskarar may have solved the mystery of birds at Svarthamaren
All the birds were gone. Now there is full life in the bird cliffs again. The researchers believe they have found the explanation for the mystery.
Antarctica

University of Saskatchewan researchers intensify efforts to track disease in caribou
Researchers will be stepping up their efforts to track chronic wasting disease in Saskatchewan's north.
Saskatchewan, Canada

Winter Travel, Access and Changing Snow and Ice Conditions
The Copper River Basin in Alaska has experienced less reliable snow and ice conditions in recent years, impacting winter activities such as trapping, hunting, and gathering firewood. This study, based on nine oral interviews with local residents, reveals that crossing rivers has become more treacherous and difficult, with significant changes in ice conditions observed since the 1970s. Decreased snowpacks and increased shrub growth have also posed obstacles for accessing winter trails, requiring individuals to cut through forests. These changes, combined with socio-economic and technological factors, have affected the way people engage in winter activities in the Copper River Basin. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of climate change's impact on winter activities in Alaska and the Circumpolar North.
Copper River Basin
Winter Travel, Access, and Changing Snow and Ice Conditions in Alaska’s Copper River Basin

How do you keep migrating birds off a giant toxic lake?
Engineers struggled to keep snow geese away from Montana’s deadly Superfund site, but ecologists have a new plan.
Montana, United States

Alaska’s annual tsunami warning test failed for some communities
Wednesday was the annual test of Alaska’s tsunami warning system — but Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka and Unalaska didn't hear it at all.

Partial Easing of Evacuation Orders in East Fjords Announced
About 800 people have had to leave their homes due to the risk of avalanches in East Iceland.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland

Water crisis in Catalonia
The region of Catalonia, northeastern Spain, is in its worst drought since measurements began. The sheep reservoir supplies water to the city of Barcelona.
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Strong regional commitment to One Health approach in Central Asia
Five Central Asian countries have jointly confirmed their interest to mitigate the risk of zoonosis emergence in the region by enhancing overall landscape resilience through the One Health approach.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
IUCN

California's 'phantom lake' returns with a vengeance, unearthing a bitter history of water
The 'phantom' Tulare Lake once the biggest lake west of the Mississippi and drained for agriculture purposes is slowly reemerging.
Stratford, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

Nunavut flips stance on caribou protection again, now supports development ban on calving grounds
The government of Nunavut has once again flipped its position on resource development on caribou calving grounds, now supporting a "prohibition of development within calving grounds and key access corridors, with seasonal restrictions on activities in post-calving grounds."
Nunavut, Canada

Native knowledge of great lakes ecology: Climate changes to Odawa lands
Climate change has been observed for hundreds of years by the plant specialists of three Odawa Tribes in the Upper Great Lakes along Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the focus of two National Park Service (NPS) studies of Odawa Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of plants, ecosystems, and climate change. Data collected during these studies contributed to developing Plant Gathering Agreements between tribes and parks. This analysis derived from 95 ethnographic interviews conducted by University of Arizona (UofA) anthropologists in partnership with tribal appointed representatives. Odawa people recognized in the park 288 plants and five habitats of traditional and contemporary concern. Tribal representatives explained that 115 of these traditional plants and all five habitats are known from multigenerational eyewitness accounts to have been impacted by climate change. The TEK study thus represents what Native people know about the environment. These research findings are neither intended to test their TEK nor the findings of Western science.
Glen Arbor, Michigan, United States
Frontiers

Kotzebue ice is getting thinner but was still safe to travel
The ice outside of Kotzebue in the sound and further out into the Bering Sea is more like May Ice then March ice.

Artists fear proposed changes to Southeast Alaska sea otter hunting rules could threaten traditional craft
Only certain Alaska Native people can hunt sea otters. But as otter populations have grown, so have calls to loosen federal laws protecting them.

After the fatal polar bear attack in Wales, a collective approach to healing
Questions still linger about what caused the bear to kill a woman and her baby — but more important for Wales is the question of how to move on.
Wales, Alaska, United States

Uh-oh. A new tropical mosquito has come to Florida. The buzz it's creating isn't good
Scientists say climate change appears to be a factor making Florida and other parts of the U.S. welcoming to non-native mosquitoes.
Florida, United States

Cruise Ship Invasion
Take a typical Alaska cruise and see the damage in its wake. Waste-water disposal to on board garbage piles up leaking into the natural environment and local waste sites. Noise pollution from the ships impact whales and other species that rely on sounds for communication. Total visitors from the industry impact on small communities has pros and cons. The evidence is clear: the industry needs an overhaul.
Hakai Magazine

Vaccine makers prep bird flu shot for humans 'just in case' as rich nations lock in supplies
Some of the world's leading makers of flu vaccines say they could make hundreds of millions of bird flu shots for humans within months if a new strain of avian influenza ever jumps across the species divide.

A Devastating Toxin Is Bubbling Up From the Permafrost
Trapped in all that permafrost is an estimated 30 billion tons of carbon. It’s an unfathomable amount, Kirkwood says. With global warming, the permafrost is thawing, threatening to release a “carbon bomb” of heat-trapping methane gas into the atmosphere. But there’s something else lurking in the permafrost that has the potential to be more immediately dangerous to the people and wildlife living in the area: mercury.
The Atlantic

Here's the Real Story behind the Massive 'Blob' of Seaweed Heading toward Florida
A loose raft of brown seaweed spanning about twice the width of the U.S. is inching across the Caribbean. Among annual Sargassum censuses in the Atlantic Ocean, “2018 was the record year, and we’ve had several big years since,” says Brian Lapointe, an oceanographer at Florida Atlantic University, who has studied seaweed for decades. “This is the new normal, and we’re going to have to adapt to it.”
Palm Coast, Florida, United States
Scientific American

Murkowski, Peltola tell ComFish more needs to be done about ‘crisis’ levels of species decline
The lawmakers discussed the challenges faced by Alaska’s fishermen in a remote address to Kodiak’s annual commercial fishing trade show.
Kodiak, Alaska

This stubborn shrub is helping to keep Arctic river banks intact as permafrost thaws
A study published in Nature Climate Change examined how 10 big rivers in the Arctic had moved 50 years, and found they did not migrate as much as expected.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Snow is as high as ski lifts in California as drought abates
More than 700 inches of snow have fallen at Mammoth Mountain, almost burying entire houses and setting new record for snowfall. The snowfall in the Sierra Nevada range will help mitigate drought conditions in coming years.
Dollar Point, California, United States
Washington Post

Exceptional temperature increase in Arctic hotspot
The Barents area is the fastest warming place on the planet. A new study shows that the warming is happening twice as fast as previously thought.
Barents Sea

Is it possible to improve winter biking in Canada? Finland shows the way
Oulu has more than 900 kilometres of separated bike paths, which is comparable to Montreal. In the winter, the city plows this huge bike network by 6 a.m. every day and will plow multiple times a day if needed.
Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland

Bowhead whales are changing migration patterns in the Arctic
With ice declining, bowhead whales of the Pacific Arctic choose to stay longer in the waters up north. A change in migration patterns could affect the bowheads' health and safety, as well as the hunters' access to the subsistence resource.
Bering Straits

Increasing cases of avian influenza in people
The recent death of an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia's Prey Veng province infected with avian influenza has reinvigorated concern over the virus potentially gaining the ability to spread among humans. And while experts maintain the risk of that happening "remains low" at this time, the World Health Organization has said that increasing reports of avian influenza infection in humans are "worrying."
Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Mayo Clinic

Seaweed farming inspires high hopes in Alaska for economic and environmental benefits
Seen as a bright spot in a troubled coastal economy, seaweed cultivation must overcome many obstacles to become big business in Alaska.

'Whole hell of a lot of water up there': This map shows the Sierra snowpack's record levels
Atmospheric river boosted California's snowpack, especially in Central and Southern Sierra. Now the levels are record level creating safety issues such as roofs collapsing and helping with drought conditions across the western states.
Sierra Nevada, California, United States
San Francisco Chronicle

Anne Margrethe was sick from a tick bite: – Know how bad it can be
The Institute of Public Health is expanding the area where they recommend that people take the vaccine against the tick borne encephalitis.
Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Juneau's wastewater has four times as much COVID as the national average
This weekend marks the third anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the global pandemic — and Juneau’s wastewater is awash with COVID.

Researchers struggle to find out if windmills scare reindeer
A video of the reindeer on the steps of the wind turbine has caused wonder. Aren't the animals intimidated by wind power anyway? Here are some reasons why it is so difficult to find clear facts and secure figures.
Tromsø, Troms, Norway

Skjoma: Statkraft wants to make as much electricity as possible – now NVE recommends that they release more water
At times, the water level in the river Skjoma in Narvik is so low that the salmon freezes to death. But Statkraft has refused to release more water into the watercourse. Now the NVE intervenes.
Narvik, Nordland, Norway

Scientist explains how 'rain-on-snow' events can interact with California's snowpack
A scientist explains the interaction between "rain-on-snow" events and California's snowpack in Northern California.
Northern California, United States
KCRA Sacramento

School district closes 5 libraries due to snow load
Libraries at two Anchorage elementary schools — Klatt and Spring Hill — were closed after the maintenance department identified ceiling damage. The district also decided “out of an abundance of caution” to proactively close the libraries of Bear Valley Elementary, Fire Lake Elementary, and Ravenwood Elementary, which share the same building design with Klatt and Spring Hill.

Blizzard batters Northwest Alaska, causing infrastructure problems
In addition to blizzard conditions, Kotzebue residents have been experiencing power outages, water service interruptions and travel complications because of the storms.

A decision looms on the Willow oil and gas project in Alaska's Arctic
Environmental and climate activists are rallying online against ConocoPhillips’ proposed Willow oil and gas drilling project in Alaska’s Arctic as the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden weighs whether to greenlight the controversial plan.
Nuiqsut, Alaska, United States

Ice in the Baltic Sea reducing due to climate change
The Baltic Sea is experiencing a reduction in ice due to climate change, with this winter seeing significantly less ice compared to previous years.
Baltic Sea

Chronic wasting disease found in new deer species in Manitoba
Another species of deer has been detected suffering from chronic wasting disease in Manitoba according to the province.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Winnipeg

Students learn lessons on climate change, pollution through raising salmon
Although many Alaskan students are familiar with salmon fishing, raising them gives them a new perspective on writing, science, math and art.
Kenny Lake, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Saanich invites volunteers to help battle invasive plants
A volunteer program in Saanich, B.C., is helping to beat back invasive species on the island.
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Vancouver Island

State shutters most Cook Inlet king salmon fishing this summer in unprecedented array of emergency closures
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced preseason fishing limits and closures Thursday as chinook numbers continue to decline. The closure also triggers commercial setnet shutdowns.
Cook Inlet, Alaska

Record-low quota caught as Bering Sea Tanner crab season wraps up
The fishing season has ended for Bering Sea Tanner crab. Crabbers caught the record-low quota of two million pounds just before the end of March. Nichols said the average size of the crab caught was smaller than in seasons past. That could be because buyers agreed to accept crab they would've previously turned away.

Chugach State Park has been ‘loved to death.’ A ballot proposition aims to tackle longstanding problems
Amid an explosion in popularity, access points to the Chugach State Park are overwhelmed and underdeveloped, leading to a push for a new mechanism to handle chronic underfunding.
Chugach State Park

Residents of East Iceland told to be aware of ash eruption guidelines
In the last week, rapid ice melting on the crater lake (Öskjuvatn), usually frozen solid at this time of year, indicated significant geothermal energy being expended, and pointed to at least the increased possibility of an ash eruption at Askja.The police chief in East Iceland encourages people in the region to increase their awareness of a possible eruption of Askja and to familiarise themselves with instructions.
Askja
RÚV

'Like a highway going right past us': Nome grapples with its future as Arctic shipping traffic increases
Residents wonder if a proposed port expansion will help or hinder efforts to address chronic social problems.

Highly venomous spiders still a problem for factory workers.
Highly venomous spiders native to Chile remain a worry for workers at a firm in Sandviken, near Gävle, several years after they were first discovered.

This season’s snowfall isn’t yet too heavy for the vast majority of Anchorage rooftops, experts say
Engineers caution that residents wanting to clear their own roofs face greater risk of hurting themselves or damaging roofs than from a collapse.

Earthquakes last longer and feel stronger in parts of Interior Alaska, research finds
Researchers found that the seismic waves get amplified as they bounce back and forth off the sides and bottom of the sedimentary basin near Minto. So people in the flats perceive the earthquakes as bigger than they actually are and it’s all about the reverberation.
Minto, Alaska, United States

Arctic oilmen break through the ice to Tanalau
Ice lies thick on the Yenisey River as nuclear-powered icebreaker "Sibir" escorts a cargo ship to the remote terminal applied by oil company Rosneft
Yenisey River, Russia

Subsistence in these days of climate change
There’s an old saying that captures the essence of subsistence harvesting: “When the tide is out, the table is set.” Clams, mussels and other food are available for the person. Climate change has impacted subsistence in the ocean and on the land. Community members share observations on changes.
Kodiak, Alaska, United States
Kodiak Daily Mirror

A year after Russia invaded Ukraine, a walrus discovery is caught up in geopolitics
Russian and American scientists have been cut off from collaborating for a year, and Arctic research is suffering.
Cape Serdtse­-Kamen, Chukchi Sea, Russia

Old Tjikko stands on Fulufjellet, just a mile from the Norwegian border in Trysil
Old Tjikko is 9500 years old, one of the oldest fir tree in the world.
Trysil, Innlandet, Norway

Environmental groups urge feds to track flulike illnesses common among BP oil spill workers
The petition is the latest step in a long effort to better protect oil spill responders from a range of long- and short-term health problems suffered after BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in 2010 and other spills.
Gulf of Mexico

Baffinland critical of report that says shipping to blame for narwhal displacement
A new report predicts there will be almost no narwhal left in an area off the northeastern coast of Baffin Island this summer and says shipping traffic from the nearby Mary River iron ore mine is to blame. The mine's operator says it leaves out key information.
Baffin Islands, Canada

Trudeau says he ordered takedown of 'unidentified object that violated Canadian airspace'
Trudeau orders takedown of unidentified object in Canada airspace.
Yukon, Canada

No deer, no problem: Sea otters become main course for this Southeast Alaska wolf pack
The pack killed all the black-tailed deer on the island and another established pack back on the mainland was preventing their return. Scientists assumed they would die off from starvation.
Pleasant Island, Alaska, United States

B.C’s pink sea urchins are on the move to shallower waters thanks to climate change
Researchers at Memorial University, Ocean Networks Canada and the University of Victoria found the urchins, living as deep as 400 metres below, were expanding their populations into shallower water at an average rate of 3.5 metres per year as ocean warming reduces oxygen levels and food sources at lower depths.
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
Port Alberni Valley News

Diminished population of sunflower sea stars may get Endangered Species Act listing
The huge sea stars, which help conserve kelp beds by eating sea urchins, have been devastated by a wasting disease that is linked by scientists to climate change.

Polar bear in fatal Wales attack was in poor health
A polar bear that killed a young mother and her baby last month in western Alaska was likely an older animal in poor physical condition.
Wales, Alaska, United States

Crab crisis in Bering Sea a sign of ‘borealization’ and big changes in the future, scientists warn
In coming decades, the ocean conditions that triggered the snow crab crash and harvest closure are expected to be common.

Atmospheric rivers are hitting the Arctic more often, and increasingly melting its sea ice
Atmospheric rivers, those long, powerful streams of moisture in the sky, are becoming more frequent in the Arctic, and they’re helping to drive dramatic shrinking of the Arctic’s sea ice cover.

How will the Bering Strait respond to harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms will become a more common feature of a warming Arctic. Last summer, a massive bloom was detected off the coast of Western Alaska, almost by chance, when scientists sailing through the Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea found worryingly high levels of Alexandrium catenella.
Bering Strait

Beaver colonization around Nome is a ‘harbinger’ of Arctic changes
Research shows Beavers are relatively new to the Seward Peninsula and push farther north as climate change occurs.

Will 33-fold solar power in Norway in seven years
We (Norway) need to build solar power, at a pace we have not seen before, according to the Energy Commission. And the industry believes a 33-fold increase in seven years is realistic.

Warmest January in Norway’s northeast
East Finnmark region was 4 to 5 degrees warmer than normal in January.
Alta, Finnmark Fylke, Norway

Company stopped the municipality's reindeer facility - sewage goes straight into the fjord
About 25 kg of sticky mass from a company entered the sewage system. Sewage goes into the sea from operating plant impacting fish and other sealife.
Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal, Norway

Forestry violates its own environmental rules – retains the green certificate
Time and time again, they have cut down forests that should not have been cut, according to a review made by NRK. Yet no company has lost its sustainability stamp.

Hogs are running wild in the U.S.—and spreading disease
The nation's six million feral pigs are destroying crops and preying on endangered species. But the most serious threat they pose is to human health.
Animals

EPA stops Alaska's Pebble mine with rarely used power
The decision caps a decades-long battle over a region that is home to both the world’s largest wild salmon run and one of the world’s largest deposits of copper and gold.
Pebble Mine Proposed Site

Gov. Dunleavy says his carbon storage bills could bring Alaska ‘billions,’ but many unknowns remain
Dunleavy administration’s proposals, which could take years to implement, highlights economic gains for the state for carbon offset and sequestration programs.

How Indigenous people are strengthening fur traditions in an anti-fur world
Despite the negativity toward using and selling fur, Indigenous people say fur can be a sustainable, respectful and even luxurious material for clothing, accessories and art.
Northwest Territories, Canada

Human behaviour needs to shift for coexistence with wildlife, say specialists
Vancouver Island is known for its predatory wildlife, such as black bears, coastal wolves and cougars. Many towns and villages sit in areas with high populations of predatory wildlife, making interactions with humans often inevitable, unless effective coexistence management is in place.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Wildlife talk about Yukon Flats recap
A wildlife biologist at Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge presented his findings after studying the kill-rate of moose by wolves in the Yukon Flats.
Yukon Flats, Alaska, United States

Student project tracking microplastics found in Bering Strait-area spotted seals
A UAF graduate student has found microplastics in the stomachs of spotted seals harvested in the Bering Strait region.
Bering Strait

Weeks after snowstorms, some Anchorage bus stops remain inaccessible
Six weeks after a series of snowstorms dumped more than three feet of snow, bus stops along a handful of state-maintained roads remain buried, forcing transit users to navigate deep, slippery drifts and towers of snow.

'The ocean is their garden': Initiative aims to make whaling safer
Backyard Buoys project will give residents real time data such as wave height to whaling crews and communities throughout the North Slope. A system of buoys will be displaced across the slope this summer.
North Slope, Alaska, United States
Arctic Sounder

Local Alaska egg producers fill cracks during shortage
Local farms help provide eggs with statewide shortage during avian flu outbreak.
Soldotna, Alaska, United States

NOAA denies emergency request to close red king crab savings areas
Federal officials denied an emergency request to close crucial habitat for Bristol Bay red king crab to all commercial fishing.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

More than $13 million in federal funding earmarked for Bristol Bay
Bristol Bay will receive 13 million in Federal Funding to help with projects such as safe drinking water.
Bristol Bay, Alaska, United States

There's a lot of talk about what we would gain from the Ambler Road. But what would we lose?
The potential impact on caribou and the way of life in Northwest Arctic if Ambler Mining District is opened.
Ambler, Alaska, United States

Rare attack in Alaska renews interest in polar bear patrols
For isolated communities at the top of the world, keeping the planet’s largest land predators -- polar bears -- out of town is key to coexistence.
Wales, Alaska, United States
AP NEWS

Ice lies thick over Russian Arctic waters, but this winter might be record warm
Ship captains are battling with major volumes of sea-ice across the Russian far north. Temperature data show that the Arctic has almost never before been this hot.
Russian Arctic

Hard rain
Rain began to fall on the already snow-covered Yamal Peninsula, an Arctic region of northwest Siberia, in November 2013. Rain fell for the next 24 hours.  As rain saturated the snow, the temperature dropped below freezing, turning the precipitation into a thick, icy crust.
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Boulder Weekly

How far can $25 million go to relocate a community that’s disappearing into Alaska’s melting permafrost?
A recent Interior Department grant aims to help residents in Newtok move to higher ground, but it’s just a sliver of what’s needed.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
High Country News

Alaska's cold climate 'luck' with three consecutive La Niña years is about to run out
National Weather Service says Alaska has been lucky to have three La Niña years. Due to climate change we could see a shift into warmer La and El Nino's.

More industry must be placed where power is produced
Mayors of power municipalities in Norway want new industry in the villages where electricity is produced, instead of sending it away to the city. Local power is very efficient.
Dalen, Telemark, Norway

Possible record year for arctic fox in Nordics with 762 cubs counted in 2022
The arctic fox population across the Nordic region has declined for decades, but recent data suggests cross-border cooperation between Finland, Norway and Sweden is helping turn things around. Arctic Fox dens and cub population is highest in all three countries.
Lapland, Finland

LKAB discovers large rare earth metals deposit in northern Sweden
The state-owned Swedish mining company LKAB says it has found a deposits containing more than one million tons of rare earth oxides near Kiruna in Northern Sweden.
Kiruna, Norrbotten, Sweden

Congress approves development of national One Health coordination plan, other veterinary funding priorities
Language supported by the AVMA in new legislation will coordinate federal activities aimed at combating zoonotic disease outbreaks. The measure was among other provisions relevant to animal health that Congress passed before the end of the 2022.
American Veterinary Medical Association

A real scramble: State suffers an egg shortage
Avian flu outbreak in Washington prompts cull of over 1 million eggs. This has led to a shortage of eggs in urbans areas such as Anchorage and rural communities in Alaska. The egg-shortage adds to the Covid-19 supply chain issues.

It's warmer than normal in many parts of the North — and it's going to stay that way for awhile
The Yukon, the N.W.T. and western Nunavut are experiencing above-average temperatures. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, it's going to stay that way for the month of January.

December was Anchorage’s wettest and second snowiest on record
Climatologist Rick Thoman says climate change is driving this more extreme winter snowfall. As the oceans warm, more moisture evaporates into the air. Then, when the atmospheric conditions are right for a storm, that increased evaporation results in “heavier and heavier precipitation,” Thoman said. That’s in part why Anchorage saw 41.2 inches of snow last month, capping off its wettest year on record, according to the National Weather Service.

Why Are Alaska's Rivers Turning Orange?
Streams in Alaska are turning orange with iron and sulfuric acid. Scientists are trying to figure out why
Kiana, Alaska, United States
Scientific American

In northernmost Alaska, a battle is on to limit the damages of permafrost thaw
Warming soils beneath Utqiagvik are triggering erosion that threatens homes, infrastructure and cultural resources. The North Slope has seen some of the fastest changes in coastal erosion in the nation.

Anchorage is still struggling to remove snow, weeks after a trio of winter storms
City officials say crews have made progress. But there are challenges. Crews are currently focused on hauling snow from main streets that are near schools, said Kohlhase’s Thursday email. He said he hopes to get every school cleared by the time classes resume on Monday, Jan. 9.

After 30 years in decline, Yukon's Finlayson caribou herd may be on the upswing, gov't says
For the first time in decades, Yukon's Finlayson caribou herd appears to be growing in number. That's according to recent population survey data from the territorial government.
Pelly Mountains, British Columbia

The hidden underwater forests that could help tackle the climate crisis
Underwater forests, such as kelp forests, have been found to cover a large area and have the potential to absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making them important in addressing the climate crisis, although more research is needed to understand their long-term carbon sequestration capabilities.
Bodega Bay, California, United States
the Guardian

Warming climate, wacky weather create skating trail trials and tribulations
Canada's outdoor skating on rivers and ponds is increasingly affected by warming winters due to climate change, resulting in unpredictable skating seasons.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
CBC News

Climate change seen as suspected factor in Western Arctic Caribou Herd decline
Alaska’s Western Arctic Caribou Herd population is lower than at any time in over four decades. Climate change is the leading cause of the decline in the herd.

Researchers discuss more salmon appearing in Arctic
The Arctic Sounder - Serving the Northwest Arctic and the North Slope
Kaktovik, Alaska, United States

In the district capital, the estuary did not freeze, in Pevek it warmed up to +4
Three temperature records this week were broken in Chukotka. Forecasters recorded abnormally high temperatures for this time of year in Pevek and Omolon.
Pevek, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
prochukotku

An Unmistakable Stain in America’s Most Pristine Rivers
Dozens of once crystal-clear streams and rivers in Arctic Alaska are now running bright orange and cloudy, and, in some cases, they may be becoming more acidic. This otherwise undeveloped landscape now looks as if an industrial mine has been in operation for decades, and scientists want to know why.
Noatak River
The Atlantic

Ancient moose antlers hint of early arrival on Alaska's North Slope
The North Slope offers a marginal place for a moose because far fewer willow shrubs grow there than in the boreal forest. Moose are recent invaders of the North Slope due to climate warming and expanding willow growth.
North Slope, Alaska
Arctic Sounder

State downsizes bison hunt after a third of Delta herd starves to death
Alaska’s longest and most popular hunting season ended early this year. The Delta Junction bison hunt usually extends from October to March, but the state limited this year’s season to just two weeks, and only 50 animals were taken, because last winter’s heavy snow and ice buildup wiped out nearly a third of the Delta bison herd.
Delta Junction, Alaska, United States
KUAC

Washing away
The Arctic hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., is collapsing into the ocean as it loses up to a meter of coastline each year. The people who live there are in a race against time to preserve their way of life — and their community — before it is washed away.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada

Garbage collection from the coast and tundra after the storm was completed in the village of Rytkuchi
Garbage and wood were removed by the municipal services of the village of Rytkuchi of the Pevek urban district from the coastline and tundra near the settlement. This was the final stage of a large-scale clean-up, which began in the summer after a strong storm.
Prochukotku

Dead bowheads in Beaufort and Chukchi point to increased killer whale presence in Arctic
There are new signs that killer whales, which are swimming farther north and staying for longer periods of the year in Arctic waters, are increasingly preying on Alaska’s bowhead whales. A newly published study found that 2019, an especially warm year in the region, also seems to have been an especially dangerous year for bowheads.

Dungeness crab summer harvest drops $10M from previous season
Some Southeast fishermen skipping fall season entirely, other’s say season has been “hit or miss”
Homer News

As climate change progresses, trees in cities struggle
As the driest summer in Seattle’s record books ended, trees across the city were sounding silent alarms. It was the latest in a string of Seattle summers in the last decade, including a record-breaking heat dome in 2021, to feature drier conditions and hotter temperatures that have left many trees with premature brown leaves and needles, bald branches and excessive seeding –- all signs of stress.
Seattle, Washington, United States
AP NEWS

St. Paul government declares emergency in attempt to get ahead of looming crab crash
The recent closure of the Bering Sea snow crab and Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries has some Western Alaska towns taking a hard look at their futures, including St. Paul.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States

Nome-Council Road passable again after suffering significant damage from severe September storm
Three weeks after ex-typhoon Merbok hit Western Alaska and breached the Nome-Council Road, Department of Transportation crews and local contractors finished their repairs.
KNOM Radio Mission

Climate change driving narwhals to change migration timings
Researchers have detected striking changes in narwhal migration times driven by climate changes in the North. "Our long-term dataset identified that passage boundary crossing dates were associated with changing sea ice dynamics as a result of climate change," the researchers said in their paper p

Bering Sea king and snow crab seasons canceled amid population declines
For the first time ever, the Bering Sea snow crab fishery will not open for the upcoming season. The Bristol Bay red king crab fishery will also be closed for a second year in a row.

Haines’ changing alpine permafrost
Alpine permafrost is thawing, according to an article by the National Science Foundation. This is bad news because thawing releases carbon dioxide and methane and because it can cause destabilization of the land, as a couple of northbound drivers found out last week when their car was buried in the slide at 23 miles, as reported in a Chilkat Valley News article.
Haines, Alaska, United States
KHNS Radio | KHNS FM

Under threat of thaw, some North Slope ice cellars will get tech upgrades to stay frozen
Iñupiat communities have been looking for alternatives to traditional ice cellars. Some households switched to using manmade freezers, which can be effective but they affect the taste and the quality of the food, Nelson said. Additionally, power outages, frequent in the villages, can make this storage method unreliable. So the search is on for creative ideas to preserve traditional ice cellars.

Frogs in Trouble - Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve
There is a worldwide epidemic of deformed amphibians and the frequency of affected animals is higher in Alaska than in most parts of the United States. Wood frogs have been turning up in Alaska with abnormal legs and jaws, sometimes even with extra legs.

Southeast Alaska wolves eat over 60 prey species, study finds — including sea otter
A study – now in its eighth year – has found a remarkably diverse diet among the region’s wolf population. Sea otter has become a primary source of food.

Southeast Alaska wolves eat over 60 prey species, study finds — including sea otter
Southeast Alaska’s wolves tend to favor deer and moose at mealtime, but in a pinch they won’t say no to black bear – or even sea otter.

NASA Warns Methane Is Being Belched From Newly Formed Lakes
These lakes form because warm temperatures in the Arctic are melting the permafrost.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Newsweek

As support streams in, one village still accounting for what was lost in Western Alaska storm
Golovin was hurt worse than other places in the Norton Sound region by the remnants of typhoon Merbok as it swirled up through Bering Sea last weekend. Repairing the damage is going to take time — and the clock is ticking on winter’s arrival.
Golovin, Alaska, United States

Wildfire smoke may have amplified arctic phytoplankton bloom
Smoke from a Siberian wildfire may have transported enough nitrogen to parts of the Arctic Ocean to amplify a phytoplankton bloom.
EurekAlert!

Typhoon Merbok pounded Alaska’s vulnerable coastal communities at a critical time
The powerful remnants of Typhoon Merbok pounded Alaska’s western coast on Sept. 17, 2022, pushing homes off their foundations and tearing apart protective berms as water flooded communities. Storms aren’t unusual here, but Merbok built up over unusually warm water. Its waves reached 50 feet over the Bering Sea, and its storm surge sent water levels into communities at near record highs along with near hurricane-force winds.

Western Alaska braces for strong storm and possible floods

Kebnekaise's southern peak has not shrunk any further this year
Sweden's highest mountain Kebnekaise's southern peak has not shrunk further over the last year, scientists say. "I think the explanation is that it was quite a cold summer up here in the Kebnekaise Mountains and at the Tarfala research station so it has not melted away so much" says Nina Kirchner, director at Tarfala research center.
Mount Kebnekaise

As Yukon River chinook disappear, so does a way of life
Yukon River chinook salmon runs have been steadily declining, with 2022 the smallest run on record. As the fish disappear, Yukon First Nations fear the cultures and traditions built around the salmon over countless generations will too.
Pelly Crossing, Yukon, Canada
CBC North

With record use, Chugach State Park feels new pressures
Anchorage’s backyard wilderness is experiencing a surge in users that shows no signs of letting up. Driven in part by social media and location tracking apps, more people are recreating in historically less-used parts of the park than before.

Store-bought milkweed plants can expose monarch caterpillars to harmful pesticides
Researchers found pesticide-contaminated plants in nurseries in 15 states
University of Nevada, Reno

Saxitoxin detected in regional clam
A six-inch butter clam harvested on August 28 three miles north of Savoonga tested positive for saxitoxins, or paralytic shellfish poison, Norton Sound Health Corporation Environmental Coordinator Emma Pate said.The clam itself showed high levels of saxitoxin present: it had 450 micrograms of toxin per 100 gram of body tissue. The Food and Drug Administration’s safety limit is at 80 micrograms/100 g. Pate, via the SEATOR lab, on Sept. 23 issued a paralytic shellfish toxin advisory to Savoonga and Gambell.
Savoonga, Alaska, United States

Authorities warn subsistence users about potentially harmful algal blooms
Researchers have found a high level of potentially harmful algae in the waters near Teller, Brevig Mission, Wales, Little Diomede and Shishmaref. They are now advising that residents of those areas…
KNOM Radio Mission

Alaska’s snow crabs have disappeared. Where they went is a mystery.
King crab legs for $199 a pound? There’s a reason for that.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States

Grain Farmer Fights Off Swan Invasion with Falcon-Shaped Kites
A farmer in South Iceland is resorting to a unique method to combat a unique threat to his grain crops. RÚV reports that Björgvín Þór Harðarson, a pig and grain farmer in Laxárdalur, is using falcon-shaped kites to scare away the whooper swans that are consuming and causing significant damage to his crops.

As Arctic Temperatures Rise, Polar Bears Are Eating More Garbage
A new paper warns that a growing reliance on trash is leading to more human-bear conflict
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Smithsonian Magazine

Avian flu outbreak affects wide range of species
A new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is spreading among wild birds in North America. While there are only a few confirmed cases in Western Alaska, the scope of the outbreak still has…
KNOM Radio Mission

Recent Increase in Seal Deaths in Maine Linked to Avian Flu
NOAA Fisheries working with partners to determine the causes of death, and assess impacts.
Southern Maine Coast
NOAA

Subsistence fishers request a decrease of salmon bycatch
As chum and chinook salmon numbers dwindle in Western Alaska, salmon bycatch in the pollock industry was a main concern addressed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, or NPFMC, from Jun…

Pollutants from far distances found in Bering Sea animals hunted by Indigenous people
A newly published study shows the presence of chemical pollutants in marine mammals and reindeer hunted by St. Lawrence Island villagers.
Gambell, Alaska, United States

New assessment of mercury levels and health risks in Arctic sea and wading birds
Kvikksølv finnes naturlig i naturen, men store mengder kvikksølv kommer også fra menneskelige utslipp. Metylkvikksølv, den giftige formen av kvikksølv…
Kongsfjorden, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard
SEAPOP
Vigdis Johnsen, Sarah Yoder, Bailey Richards

Avian influenza cases have doubled statewide, but no reports from the North Slope yet
As of June 16, 48 cases of highly pathogenic avian flu were detected across the state of Alaska, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. None of these confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza are in the northernmost regions of Alaska.

HPAI confirmed on Yukon Delta NWR
Birds that USFWS sent in from the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have tested positive. Sabines gulls, glaucous gulls, and black brant all tested positive for HPAI.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Bob Gerlach, Bryan Daniels, Michael Bruce, Angela Matz, Gay Sheffield, Brian Lefferts, Andrew Ramey, Louisa Castrodale, Eric Taylor, Dana Diehl

Management council declines action on Bering Sea bycatch to address Yukon-Kuskokwim salmon subsistence worries
The vast majority of callers at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting last week called for a reduction in bycatch limits, which they said would help reverse a dramatic trend of salmon declines on the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers.

Among butter clams, which pose toxin dangers to Alaska harvesters, size matters, study indicates
A study by the University of Alaska Southeast found larger butter clams in Alaska contain higher concentrations of toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning, posing risks to harvesters.

Alaska seeks federal air quality waiver due to wildfire smoke impact
Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation seeks a waiver to exclude 2022-2023 wildfire smoke from EPA air quality assessments, citing these as "exceptional events."

Ancient disks revealed unsettled climate change in Svalbard
The temperature on the delar of Svalbard has risen to twice as fast as the time period known. No can forecast at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute document the greatest warming in the world.
Island of Karl XII, Spitsbergen

Amid Alaska’s permafrost areas, more soil is staying thawed year-round, UAF scientists find
Warmer winters and thicker layers of insulating snow are spurring creation of more taliks, sections of ground that doesn’t freeze even in winter.
Teller, Alaska, United States

Vulnerable residents flown out of St. Mary’s as major tundra fire closes in
The City of St. Mary’s and its two tribes, the Yupiit of Andreakfsiy and the Algaaciq Tribe, held a community meeting on June 9. There, resident Geraldine Beans said that community leaders chose an optional evacuation for elders and people who are considered vulnerable. Other residents will have to wait. The fire is the largest in the history of the Lower Yukon valley. It’s been burning for a week and a half, since May 31, and has grown to about 50,000 acres.
St. Mary's, Alaska, United States

Two Years After Huge Arctic Spill, River Water in Norilsk Is Still Red From Diesel Fuel
While mining giant Nornickel has said the local ecosystem is "satisfactory," environmentalists paint a different picture.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia
The Moscow Times

Researchers investigate Yukon Delta bird deaths amid avian flu outbreak
By Megan Gannon

Are seagull eggs dangerous to harvest due to bird flu?
It is egg hunting season in many rural Alaska communities, and harvesters want to know if they should be concerned about eating eggs from wild birds. According to guidance from the State of Alaska and USFWS, the risk from avian flu for people is very low.
King's Cove, Alaska, United States
Dana Diehl, Louisa Castrodale, Nadine Kochuten, Michael Bruce, Karen Pletnikoff

Alaska’s bird flu outbreak is taking an especially heavy toll on eagles and other wild birds
Cases are being detected all over the state, from the Aleutians to Mat-Su to Haines and the Interior.“What we’re seeing this year is an unprecedented level of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds,” said Andy Ramey of USGS.

Polar bears in Svalbard are disturbed around the clock by tourists. A police investigation has now begun
Rekordmange båter på fotojakt etter isbjørner. Nå undersøker Sysselmesteren på Svalbard flere mulige brudd på svalbardmiljøloven.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Borough climate change planning effort gears up
A survey is out and an open house is planned on May 14 for the Fairbanks North Star Borough's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. A public survey is out, and an open house is planned for 4 p.m. May 14 at J.P. Jones Community Center in South Fairbanks.

B.C. poultry farmers bring in quarantine measures as avian flu spreads
As cases of avian flu continue to spread across Canada, B.C. poultry farmers are implementing quarantine measures from the highly infectious virus that can cause mass death in chicken flocks.
Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada

N.W.T. health department and hunters prepare for avian flu
The territorial government issued a public service announcement earlier this week, warning people about a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza. N.W.T. hunters say they are worried about harvesting birds that may have the virus.

First case of new avian flu detected in Alaska
The advice to hunters, don’t shoot or harvest game that appears sick. If you found an animal injured or dead, just leave it there. When processing, wear rubber gloves and washing the area the game was cleaned on. You should also cook game to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Expanding beaver pond distribution in Arctic Alaska, 1949 to 2019
Beavers were not previously recognized as an Arctic species, and their engineering in the tundra is considered negligible. Recent findings suggest that beavers have moved into Arctic tundra regions and are controlling surface water dynamics, which strongly influence permafrost and landscape stability. Here we use 70 years of satellite images and aerial photography to show the scale and magnitude of northwestward beaver expansion in Alaska, indicated by the construction of over 10,000 beaver ponds in the Arctic tundra. The number of beaver ponds doubled in most areas between ~ 2003 and ~ 2017. Earlier stages of beaver engineering are evident in ~ 1980 imagery, and there is no evidence of beaver engineering in ~ 1952 imagery, consistent with observations from Indigenous communities describing the influx of beavers over the period. Rapidly expanding beaver engineering has created a tundra disturbance regime that appears to be thawing permafrost and exacerbating the effects of climate change.
Nature

First case of avian flu in Alaska identified in Mat-Su backyard flock
While the risk to human health is low, Gerlach has said that avian influenza could pose a threat to not only the state’s domestic birds but also wild birds, including geese, shore birds, vultures and eagles. There’s no treatment for birds that are infected, and the mortality rate for poultry and raptors like hawks, eagles or owls is especially high. Possible signs of infection includes the “sudden death of multiple birds in the flock, nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing, or respiratory distress."
Palmer, Alaska, United States

Goose hunting in times of avian influenza
"Our hunters have a vast knowledge on a healthy bird. They know what a healthy bird looks like. If a goose has the symptoms of avian flu … people shouldn't eat it," said George Diamond of Cree Public Health.
Chisasibi, Quebec, Canada

Migratory birds arriving in Alaska this year may bring avian flu with them
News of avian flu outbreaks in dozens of states in the lower 48 have wildlife managers and bird hunters on edge as the spring migration gets underway in Alaska.

Zoos hiding birds as avian flu spreads in North America
Zoos across North America are moving their birds indoors and away from people and wildlife as they try to protect them from the highly contagious and potentially deadly avian influenza. Penguins may be the only birds visitors to many zoos can see right now, because they already are kept inside and usually protected behind glass in their exhibits, making it harder for the bird flu to reach them.
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Associated Press

Copper River Seafoods no longer buying Cook Inlet salmon amid declining harvests
Copper River Seafoods is ending its run in the old Snug Harbor Seafood plant, leaving one major salmon processor in the area.
Kenai, Alaska, United States

Sheen continues to spread from tug grounded in Neva Strait
On Thursday, for the first time, the sheen was reported in Krestof Sound, an area where Pacific herring are known to spawn in the spring.

Protecting Grizzly Bears from Trains in the Mountain Parks — State of the Mountains
Ten years ago, Mike Gibeau, then the carnivore biologist for Banff National Park, identified a problem: collisions between grizzly bears and trains were increasingly prevalent. Between 2000 and 2010, ten grizzly bears there were struck and killed by trains and several more unconfirmed strikes were reported.
Alberta, Canada
State of the Mountains

Project looks into causes, effects of 2016-2019 drought
Hotter weather and less rain drove the three-year drought.
Juneau Empire

Mapping reveals rapid changes to the Arctic seafloor as ancient submerged permafrost thaws
Researchers documented the formation of new, irregularly shaped, steep-sided depressions. The largest was an oval-shaped depression 28 meters (92 feet) deep, 225 meters (738 feet) long, and 95 meters (312 feet) wide. The research team attributes these changes to intermittent seafloor collapse due to the gradual warming of the permafrost sediment frozen beneath the Arctic Shelf since the end of the last ice age.
Beaufort Sea
Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

High water temperatures measured last year at Chilkat Lake weir
High water temperatures were measured at Chilkat Lake weir in Alaska, raising concerns for the salmon population, although no harm to the fish has been reported so far.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

As permafrost thaws, a Biden-supported drilling plan is on unstable ground
ConocoPhillips' massive Willow project would emit 284 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over its 30-year lifetime.
Nuiqsut, Alaska, United States
Grist

Alaska worries about salmon runs as climate change warms Arctic waters
With marine heat waves helping to wipe out some of Alaska’s storied salmon runs in recent years, officials have resorted to sending emergency food shipments to affected communities while scientists warn that the industry’s days of traditional harvests may be numbered. Salmon all but disappeared from the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) Yukon River run last year.

Officials believe Hooper Bay's sewage lagoon broke open due to cold followed by rain
Just two days after temperatures dipped below -5 degrees Fahrenheit in Hooper Bay, they shot up above freezing, and it started to rain. That caused the water level in the lagoon to rise, and water started to flow through the crack, eroding the lagoon wall.

Curious Alaska: Hold my berry — are Bohemian waxwings getting drunk on fermented fruit?
Bohemian waxwings are a wintertime fixture in Anchorage, darting in large flocks from one berry-filled tree to another.

West megadrought worsens to driest in at least 1,200 years
By Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press FILE - A kayaker paddles in Lake Oroville as water levels remain low due to continuing drought conditions in
Sacramento, California, United States
The Sacramento Observer

A way of life disappears along the Yukon River with the decline of the salmon
The dam altered the subsistence gathering patterns of the Tagish Kwan, the Daḵká Kwa’an and the Kwanlin Dün people. Residences, cabins and fish camps along the Whitehorse rapids were dismantled, gatherings at M’Clintock stopped, and many people dispersed to Fish Lake and Whitehorse.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Yukon News

2021 Arctic Report Card presents warming impacts
Warm temperatures, melting sea ice, ocean debris and permafrost degradation dominated discussion of the 2021 NOAA Arctic Report Card.

A new study predicts a huge increase in catastrophic hurricanes for the northeastern U.S.
When hurricanes cause both extreme high tides and heavy rains, devastating floods ensue. Such storms will get much more frequent by the end of the century, according to a new study.
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
NPR.org

Winter means hibernation for some — but not all — of Kodiak’s bears
By late November and into early December, they head into their dens for hibernation — but not all of them. About 30% of the Kodiak male bear population don’t den at all, according to a state biologist.

Fishery disaster declarations for Kuskokwim and Yukon salmon fisheries
Fourteen Alaska fisheries have been declared federal disasters by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Gina Raimondo issued the declarations on Jan. 21. The announcement includes Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta salmon fisheries, and could lead to federal funding for fishermen.
Emmonak, Alaska, United States

An unusual year for weather, and particularly warm
The ground was completely white in Reykjavík on just 17 days during 2021—the second-lowest number on record. The summer was the warmest on record in many parts of the country and many heat records were broken.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
RÚV

As Caucasian Glaciers Melt, Locals Face the Future With Stoicism
Caucasian glaciers have lost a quarter of their surface area to climate change since the millennium. “We don’t have winters here anymore,” said Sergei Nureddinov, a guest house owner in the mountaintop village of Verkhniy Kani, gesturing to the glacier from his front yard. “The climate catastrophe is here.”
Кармадонское, Пригородный район, North Ossetia-Alania, Russia
The Moscow Times

Skagway’s blue mussels were nearly wiped out last year
The Skagway Traditional Council is asking harvesters to avoid blue mussels until the population rebounds.
Haines, Alaska, United States

Russia's grand Arctic plan might get stuck in the ice
The troublesome shipping on the Northern Sea Route continues into the new year. Almost three weeks after the world's most powerful icebreaker arrived in the Chukchi Sea, none of the four vessels stuck in the area have broken out of the ice.
Chukchi Sea

The High Arctic saw a huge spike in lightning last year
There was almost twice as much lightning north of 80 degrees in 2021 as in the previous nine years combined, a Finnish firm says.
High Arctic
Nunatsiaq News

The Great Siberian Thaw
Permafrost contains microbes, mammoths, and twice as much carbon as Earth’s atmosphere. What happens when it starts to melt?
Yakutsk, Sakha, Russia
The New Yorker

Fish retention at some peninsula lakes restricted in 2022 due to pike impacts
Restrictions exist for East and West Mackey, Sevena, Union, Derks and Stormy lakes in 2022
Nikiski, Alaska, United States
Homer News

I hope people talk about this storm for a long time
If that saying about Jan. 1 setting the tone for the year to come has any truth to it, 2022 is going to be a wild ride.
Cantwell, Alaska, United States

Weather year 2021
In 2021, the average temperature in Norway was normal, while precipitation was 10 percent below normal. The year is nevertheless marked by great contrasts. The summary of the weather in 2021 was presented at the Meteorological Institute's annual event Climate Status on 5 January. Here you can see video footage of Climate Status (Vimeo)
Meteorologisk institutt

Historic change to Arctic landscape as beavers migrate in masses
The North American beaver has expanded its range in recent years and is now colonising Arctic territory, researchers have found. More than 12,000 beaver ponds have been mapped in western Alaska – double the amount found in the region 20 years ago.
swiftheadline

Retreating glaciers will open up salmon streams in Alaska, study says
Deglaciation could increase salmon habitat by nearly 30% in the Gulf of Alaska by 2100.
Mendenhall Glacier

Scientists, politicians, managers, and Tribes try to find common ground on Western Alaska salmon crash
On Dec. 8 and 9, U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young held a Zoom meeting between salmon researchers, tribes, and managers. Their goal was to unite these groups’ efforts to determine the cause of the ongoing Chinook declines and the sudden chum crash in Western Alaska. After two days of meetings, the groups are still at odds over what’s causing the declines, and what the best way to move forward is.

New source of the strong greenhouse gas nitrous oxide found in Siberian permafrost
A previously unknown source of the strong greenhouse gas nitrous oxide has been found in East Siberian Yedoma permafrost. Published in Nature Communications today, the observation was made by an international group of researchers, with the lead of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland.
Phys.Org

Ships complete 'historical passage' on Northern Sea Route
It has been an Arctic odyssey for the ships and crews that in November got stuck in sea-ice on the remote Northern Sea Route. After a month of icy captivity and subsequent icebreaker rescue, a convoy of nine vessels this week made it to safety in the Kara Sea. On December 7, a Russian nuclear icebreaker completed
New Siberian Islands

Bristol Bay, like Bethel, also just recorded its coldest November in 80 years
Areas across the region broke both daily and monthly records. For King Salmon, it's the coldest November on record. In Dillingham, wind chills dropped to negative 41 degrees. That's the lowest November wind chill in 50 years.
Dillingham, Alaska, United States
KDLG

Sitka Tribe’s shellfish lab honored for safeguarding traditional foods
The lab tests samples from 17 communities in Southeast, as well as from tribes on Kodiak Island.

After a month stuck in Arctic sea ice, nine vessels make it to Kara Sea
Never before at this time of year have so many vessels been rescued out of the ice, says Russia's nuclear icebreaker operator Rosatom. It has been an Arctic odyssey for the ships and crews that in November got stuck in sea-ice on the remote Northern Sea Route.
Kara Sea

Pacific halibut stock increases after four years of decline
Fish Factor: The summer setline survey could result in increased catches for most regions in 2022.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States

Miles from the sea, a Portland neighborhood finds itself in a new flood zone
Updated and more accurate federal maps put a cluster of homes near Capisic Brook in a zone that faces once-in-a-century risks.
Portland, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Bering Sea survey finds Yukon River chinook populations are low and staying closer to shore
Salmon abundance is down and population distributions have changed, according to NOAA’s 2021 surface trawl survey.

Confused about the timeline for the Red Hill fuel storage facility and contaminated water? Read this.
This article details the history and environmental concerns surrounding the Red Hill fuel storage facility, including a significant fuel leak and ongoing debates over its operation and oversight.
Pearl City, Hawaii, United States
Hawai'i Public Radio

Climate change is making Glacier Bay unstable. Scientists are mapping the risks to visitors
Landslides and tsunamis aren’t historically common in Glacier Bay, but because more than half a million visitors tour the park each year park managers want to get a clearer picture of the risks of tsunamis and landslides, which have become more common recently due to a changing climate.

NOAA Bottom Trawl Survey finds warmer waters and declining fish populations
Multiple fish populations in the Bering Sea have experienced a slight decline, according to the 2021 Bottom Trawl survey.

In Iraq's famed marshlands, climate change is upending a way of life
Drought and extreme heat that scientists link to climate change are altering the UNESCO-protected marshlands. Iraq's average annual temperatures are increasing at nearly double the rate of Earth's.
الجبيش, Dhi Qar, Iraq
NPR.org

A father and son's Ice Age plot to slow Siberian thaw
In one of the planet’s coldest places, 130 kilometers south of Russia’s Arctic coast, scientist Sergey Zimov can find no sign of permafrost as global warming permeates Siberia’s soil. As everything from mammoth bones to ancient vegetation frozen inside it for millennia thaws and decomposes, it now threatens to release vast amounts
Черский, Нижнеколымский район, Sakha, Russia
Reuters

Canadian military sets up water purification units for Iqaluit at the Sylvia Grinnell River
The Canadian Armed Forces has begun setting up two water purification units at the Sylvia Grinnell River on Monday morning to help Nunavut’s capital with its ongoing water emergency. The military had been waiting for the City of Iqaluit’s approval before setting up the units. The two parties agreed on the location Sunday night, said
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Strange Bird Call Might Be Owl
Bird call on a November night in Anchorage. Maybe a great horned owl?
Anchorage, Alaska

Scientists report an increase in harmful algal blooms in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas
Since bottom water temperatures have been warming drastically across the Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas over the last few years, cysts are now growing locally in Arctic waters. The blooms carry toxins, but scientists aren’t yet sure what impact they will have on marine mammals.

Third wettest October in 120 years
Nationwide, precipitation fell 50 per cent more than normal. This month is the 3rd wettest October month dating back to 1900. The wettest was at several stations in Vestland and in Viken, five records were set for the highest amount of precipitation measured in one day in October.
Gullfjellet, Bergen, Norway 60.3828, 5.542
Meteorologisk institutt

Alaska’s starling population continues to grow. How can we stop them from becoming a complete nuisance?
The birds are smart and attractive, but can also be a hazard for other avian species and the environment.

A melting glacier could mean a chance for Alaska’s biggest hydroelectric project to expand
The Dixon Glacier, on the other side of Kachemak Bay from Fitz Creek, is rapidly receding. That’s true for glaciers around Alaska, and the world. But what’s special about Dixon is it sits just a few miles from Bradley Lake, a source of hydropower that supplies the railbelt with about 10% of its energy needs.
Fox River, Alaska, United States

In October 1821, Franklin survived the NWT (just). In October 2021, should his name survive here?
Two hundred years ago this month, some Englishmen far from home were struggling for survival in the Northwest Territories’ barrenlands. Now, Yellowknife’s main street is named for the man in charge. Chief Edward Sangris of the Yellowknives Dene community of Dettah, across the bay from Yellowknife, said he and many other community members have no attachment to Franklin and the colonial history he represents.

Caribou populations are dwindling, and we’re in denial about it
Sebastian Jones, Wildlife Analyst
Yukon News

The Last Ice
In Norway, glaciers are receding faster than ever and potentially will be eliminated by climate change in key tourist destinations.

City in Arctic Russia cooling ground to preserve buildings on thawing permafrost
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing permafrost to thaw, putting the world’s largest city built on frozen ground in deep trouble.
Russia

Climate Change Melts Permafrost, Transforms Landscape in Russia's North
Video | In northern Siberia, the warming climate is leaving people feeling like the ground is "going out from under their feet."
Arctic Russia
The Moscow Times

Bigleaf maple decline tied to hotter, drier summers in Washington
Scientists, concerned hikers and residents have observed more stressed and dying bigleaf maple across urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as in forested areas. While forest pathologists have ruled out several specific diseases, the overall cause of the tree’s decline has stumped experts for years.
Seattle, Washington, United States
UW News

Flood-displaced elder yearns to go home to Jean Marie River
Laura Sanguez had to flee Jean Marie River in May when floodwaters destroyed her home. Now, living in long-term care in Fort Simpson, the 83-year-old says she hasn't heard anything about the status of her home or whether she is getting a replacement home.
Jean Marie River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Cost to save Tuktoyaktuk from climate change: $42 million and rising
Protecting the coast of Tuktoyaktuk from the onslaught of climate change is estimated to cost at least $42 million and is only guaranteed to last until 2052. Over the project’s 30-year lifespan, over 60,000 cubic metres of sand are expected to be brought to keep the beach intact.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada
NNSL Media

Aggressive behaviour leads to Coyote Cull in Stanley Park
Coyotes in Stanley Park are displaying novel aggressive behaviour towards humans. Rates of aggressive encounters prompted park management to call for the cull of up to 35 coyotes and a temporary nighttime closure of the park.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

In a Tiny Arctic Town, Food Is Getting Harder to Come By
One key species that is being affected by climate change in the tundra is the lemming. Lemmings are small rodents that spend the winter under the snowpack, where it’s warm enough for them to survive and reproduce. The snowpack, in addition to insulating their food, also protects them from predators.
Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada
Wired

Pak farmers protest against water shortage
A large number of farmers on Saturday staged a protest march against the acute shortage of water at Dadu district located in Pakistan Sindh province located in Pakistan's Sindh province.
Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan
Big News Network.com

Storms, high winds projected to be more frequent in Western Alaska
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist said that the reason why Western Alaska is getting windier is that it will soon inherit the Aleutian Islands’ storms. In today’s climate, the Aleutian islands are the windiest area in Alaska.
Toksook Bay, Alaska, United States

Indigenous peoples facing evacuation in Alaska and Louisiana say the United States is ignoring climate threats
Approximately 31 Alaska Native communities face imminent climate change due to floods and erosion. This can lead to the disappearance of culture and lifestyle changes. The four tribes are in the process of relocating from a rapidly disappearing village.
Kivalina, Alaska, United States
Autobala

Northern Quebec opens up to electric vehicles with charging station in Chisasibi
In August, the first electric car charger was installed in the Cree community, located some 1,700 kilometers north of Montreal.
Chisasibi, Quebec, Canada

Summer 2021 was Finland's hottest in over 80 years
There were a total of 50 'heatwave' days in Finland this summer, when the temperature rose to above 25 degrees Celsius.
Finland
Yle Uutiset

Russia to Fully Ban Single-Use Plastic Products By 2024
Banned goods would include disposable plastic straws, plates, glasses, lids and appliances; coffee capsules; cotton swabs; opaque and colored PET (thermoplastic polyester) bottles; boxes and packs for tobacco products; blister packaging (except for medicines); egg cartons; and several types of bags.
Russia

Forecast end to north and east’s amazing summer
Yet another weather record has been broken this summer, as this August was the warmest since records began in Akureyri. There are signs that weather patterns will change in the middle of next week.
Akureyri, Northeast, Iceland

Photographer Finds Polar Bears That Took Over Abandoned Buildings
In September 2021, photographer Dmitry Kokh visited Kolyuchin Island and found the strange sight of polar bears that had taken over an abandoned settlement.
PetaPixel

August 2021 was the hottest on record for Montreal
It’s official! August 2021 will go down in the record books as being the hottest on record for Montreal. The city recorded a monthly mean temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, which is 3.5 degrees warmer than normal.
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal

Declining sea ice in Kotzebue Sound is shortening subsistence hunt for seals, study finds
Seal meat makes up a good portion of what’s in subsistence hunters’ freezers in Kotzebue. But the sea ice the seals haul out on is diminishing, and new research shows that's shortening the window to hunt seals.

LED streetlights decimating moth numbers in England
The study is the first to examine the impact of LEDs in a real-world setting and the first to show the direct impact of light pollution on caterpillars. The caterpillars are less mobile than adult moths, and therefore show more precisely the local losses caused by light pollution.
England, United Kingdom
the Guardian

Colorado River, Lifeline Of The West, Sees Historic Water Shortage Declaration
The first-ever shortage declaration on the Colorado River forces arid Western states to re-examine their relationship with resources many take for granted, drinking water and cheap hydroelectricity.
Colorado, United States
NPR.org

A midwestern town moved uphill to survive the elements. Can others do the same?
The relatively well-off bedroom community of Valmeyer, Illinois, could afford to relocate – but moving isn’t as easy for less affluent towns
Valmeyer, Illinois, United States

Russia's 2021 Wildfires Now Largest in Its Recorded History
The new record beats the previous record set in 2012 and comes with weeks left to go in a devastating wildfire season.
Russia

US communities say dire predictions in UN climate report already unfolding
For many U.S. communities, the bleak predictions laid out in a new United Nations climate change report are more a reflection of the present and not just what’s to come.
The Hill

California company parachutes packages into rural Alaska communities
When pilots stopped traveling to villages during the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to go without important supplies. Fresh food often spoils before it arrives. Immunizations expire before they can be delivered. Dash Systems describes it as a “land the package, not the plane” approach, and it aims to make next-day delivery available in remote areas.

Climate change is endangering sacred land. For these Native women, it threatens ‘everything we are.’
Wildfires in Western states have razed structures, displaced residents and altered air quality - and fundamentally changed the relationship between Native women and the land they have historically stewarded.
Newell, California, United States

Portland just recorded its rainiest July in more than a century
The city had 9.53 inches of rain last month, surpassed only by the 10.84 inches that fell in July 1915.
Portland, Maine, United States
Press Herald

Water and sanitation deficiencies worsened the COVID pandemic in rural Alaska, a study finds
A lack of adequate water and sewer service and overcrowded housing combined to make the COVID-19 pandemic more severe in rural Alaska, a new study confirms.

Salmon returns set records in Bristol Bay while Southeast runs struggle
For the past 5-6 years, salmon runs all over Bristol Bay have been very strong.“This year’s record-breaking return is the result of this careful stewardship,” said executive director of United Tribes of Bristol Bay. “Our lands and waters must be protected so future generations can continue our way of life and Bristol Bay can remain the salmon stronghold for the planet.”
Koliganek, Alaska, United States

B.C. Wildfires 2021: Hundreds of properties on evacuation order or alert as wildfire between Oliver and Osoyoos spreads
As of Tuesday, there were 299 wildfires burning in B.C., with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties).
Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Are non-native mule deer a threat? Fish and Game wants to find out.
Reports of groups of up to 10 mule deer in Southeast Alaska near Skagway have been received by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and there is evidence that fawns are being born here. Studies show that nearby populations harbor a variety of diseases that have biologists concerned.
Skagway, Alaska, United States

Pacific Northwest Heat Wave Killed More Than One Billion Sea Creatures
Scientific American is the essential guide to the most awe-inspiring advances in science and technology, explaining how they change our understanding of the world and shape our lives.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Scientific American

Dynamic glaciers identified as cause of Southeast Alaska’s summer 'ice quakes'
Within a set of glaciers and mountains near Juneau, there’s seismic activity almost every day in the summer. They’re called ice quakes. They’re not as widely understood as earthquakes, but researchers are monitoring them closely.

Arctic seabirds are vulnerable to rising temperatures, a new study finds
Thick-billed murres are feeling the heat from climate change — more so than other Arctic species, new research has found. The black-plumed Arctic seabirds nest for hours on exposed cliffs, making them particularly vulnerable to sun and warming temperatures, according to Emily Choy, a McGill University biologist. Choy’s research focused on a colony of murres
Coral Harbour, Nunavut, Canada

Forest Service set to approve Kensington expansion
The U.S. Forest Service said it plans to approve Coeur Alaska’s plan to expand facilities at the Kensington Gold Mine, extending the life of the mine by another 10 years.

6 properties demolished along Matanuska River, putting an end to erosion-threatened home buyout
A contractor tore down six structures in the past few weeks, part of a process to remove erosion-threatened places that began almost a decade ago.
Sutton, Alaska, United States

Hundreds who died from heat exposure in B.C. were mostly seniors found alone in unventilated suites, says coroner
B.C. Liberals label Premier John Horgan's "level of personal responsibility" comment as callous, given the grand scale of heat wave deaths reported Wednesday
vancouversun

Ravn Alaska signs up to buy hybrid-electric aircraft to improve operations and reduce emissions
Airplane designers say the electric vehicle revolution will soon be coming to commercial aircraft, and Ravn Alaska plans to be on the leading edge.

More than a billion seashore animals may have cooked to death in B.C. heat wave, says UBC researcher
A marine biologist at the University of British Columbia estimates that last week's record-breaking heat wave in B.C. may have killed more than one billion intertidal animals living along the Salish Sea coastline.

How Cows Destroyed an Entire Marine Ecosystem in California
A researcher's quest to understand a mysterious mass extinction leads to cud-chewing culprits.
The Southern California Bight, USA
Atlas Obscura

Freezing Temperatures in Early June Slow Ocean Warming in Bering Sea
Despite seeing snow fall across the Norton Sound and Nome earlier this month, summer weather seems to have arrived in Western Alaska.

Toxic, long-lasting contaminants detected in people living in northern Canada
Researchers have recently found that several long-lasting human-made contaminants have been building up in Arctic lakes, polar bears and ringed seals and other wildlife. These contaminants belong to a family of chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and are used in food packaging, waterproof clothing and firefighting foams.
Nunatsiaq News

Rockslides in the Arctic: Why do we care?
Global climate warming is most severe in the Arctic. One consequence is a widespread reduction in permafrost. Continuous, stable permafrost can act as a physical glue that helps anchor unstable slopes. Increasingly, scientists are reporting collapse of rock slopes in the High Arctic.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Melting permafrost is giving much of northern Alaska a sinking feeling
“We’re dropping in elevation because we live on ice cubes,” says a scientist trying to map permafrost.

Alaska research on wildfire smoke's impact on health paints clearer picture
Micah Hahn, an assistant professor of environmental health at the University of Alaska Anchorage, says while it might seem obvious that wildfire smoke causes health impacts, there had actually never been a nuanced, scientific look at those impacts. The biggest impact was for asthma-related emergency department visits. This was really across the board and across age groups and in geographic areas.

Why Wild Turkeys Don't Spread Ticks
It's long been suspected that wild turkeys are to blame for Maine moose tick infestation. A new study proves that theory wrong.
Maine, USA
Field & Stream

Invasive groups control unwelcome plants and animals on the peninsula
While the Kenai Peninsula is relatively lucky that the ecosystems here are fairly intact, there are still a handful of invasive species making their way into the streams, fields and gardens here.
Kenia Peninsula, Alaska, United States
Alaska Nightly News KNBA

Contamination from December rain disaster forces Haines farmers to vacate land
Fearing that runoff from the December rains might have carried contamination to Henderson Farm in Haines, the American Bald Eagle Foundation has told its renters they won't be able to farm their plots this year.

Warming seas endanger puffin stock
Warming seas appear to have led to a large reduction in the number of puffins around Iceland in recent decades.
Vestmannaeyjar, South, Iceland

Climate change toll on Canadians' health to cost hundreds of billions of dollars: report
Beyond its environmental threat, climate change is endangering public health in Canada in ways that will have significant human and financial costs, a new report says.
CTVNews

Western Alaska is experiencing an unprecedented rabies outbreak, officials say
For the first time in more than 20 years, rabies was confirmed in a river otter, officials said.

B.C. fish farms transmit virus to endangered wild Pacific salmon, new study confirms
One common salmon virus introduced to southern B.C. 30 years ago despite assertions from government, industry virus is 'endemic' to province. Further analysis of the PRV genomes in B.C. waters indicate that the number of PRV infections in the region has increased by two orders of magnitude over the last two decades, a pattern that aligns with the regional growth in farms, where nearly all of the fish become infected.
British Columbia, Canada
The Narwhal

Federal government funding repairs to Whitehorse airport
Upgrades are needed on the tarmac

Farmed salmon virus source, amplifies disease transmission in wild salmon: B.C. study
Evidence shows a debilitating virus found in British Columbia salmon was transferred from Atlantic fish farms, which then spread from Pacific aquaculture operations into wild fish, says a study published Wednesday.
British Columbia

95% of Bull Kelp Forests Have Vanished From 200-Mile Stretch of California Coast
Until recently, giant seaweed called bull kelp formed lush underwater forests in northern California's coastal waters. These kelp forests have long provided critical habitat for many species like salmon, crabs, and jellyfish. But now a few patches of bull kelp remain. Warming waters and hungry urchins make it hard for these kelp forests to survive.
California Coast, United States
EcoWatch

Permafrost degradation affects hydrological factors in source area of Yellow River
Climate warming has accelerated the permafrost degradation, which influences the processes of water supply, runoff and discharge in the Source Area of the Yellow River (SAYR) in the northeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Phys.Org

‘He took a small bite and then ... a second bite’: Surveyor survives bear mauling near Glennallen
The mauling left the man with a crushed jaw, a puncture wound in his scalp so deep the doctor told him he could see bone, lacerations and many stitches after a 4 1/2-hour surgery.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States

Trans Mountain tree cutting can continue as stop-work order on pipeline route lifts
A federal regulator has lifted a stop-work order on tree cutting and grass mowing along the route of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.
Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada
Global News

Lapland ski season ends, but not for lack of snow
Ski resorts in Levi, Pallas and Saariselkä kept their slopes open until Mother’s Day this year.
Levi, Lapland, Finland
Yle Uutiset

Southern resident orca pod in best condition in decade
To a greater degree than in many other animals, including humans, the southern resident orcas put family first. Their society is matriarchal, with the pods led by grandmothers and mothers.
Puget Sound, United States
CTV News

Deadly fungus threatens Alaska amphibians
It’s not always lethal, but the fungus has decimated frog populations around the world and is thought to be responsible for up to 90 extinctions. Researchers aren’t sure how it got to Alaska, but it has been observed here since the year 2000.

Elders in Líídlįį Kúę reflect on spring breakup, then and now
Líídlįį Kúę, in Dene Zhatie, means the place where two rivers meet. It has been a place for Dene to gather for millennia. It is also an area prone to flooding, sparking concern about how the community will be impacted by spring break-up, during a year of high water levels.
Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada

‘How Can We Survive When the Land Is Gone?’ In Dagestan, a Proud People Fights the Desert
For 30 years now, climate change has been driving the sands further into the Nogai steppe, gradually transforming the traditional homeland of a the people that once dominated much of southern Russia from green and pleasant pasture to barren desert.
Terekli-Mekteb, Dagestan, Russia

Climate change threatens to spread antibiotic resistance in the Arctic
Three miles uphill from the Bering Sea beach, gulls darting in and out of the Nome landfill. Some of those birds are being exposed to antibiotics and, through that exposure, picking up bacteria with antibiotic resistance.

Canada: hummingbirds succeed in halting controversial pipeline construction
Work will stop until 21 August after the discovery of an Anna’s hummingbird nest during construction of TransMountain pipeline
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

As endangered beluga whales head up the Kenai River, committed volunteers help ‘unravel the puzzle’
Citizen scientists fill an important gap in helping understand when and how Cook Inlet belugas use the river.

New federal program to help 5 remote Alaska communities transition to renewable energy
Concerns around energy independence and high costs have led many places in rural Alaska to look for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. The Department of Energy recently announced the awardees of a new program; the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project, or ETIPP, will help five Alaska towns explore projects from hybrid fishing vessels to reducing reliance on diesel.
Dillingham, Alaska, United States

U.S. must urge Japan not to release Fukushima wastewater into the sea
The era of intentionally dumping toxic waste in our one global ocean is, or should be, over.
Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan

Record-breaking ocean temps hurting local sea life
A sobering warning on Earth Day: Scripps researchers say record-breaking ocean temperatures and toxin levels are harming local sea life.
La Jolla, California, United States
FOX 5 San Diego

Climate change is worsening water scarcity in rural Alaska says study
Climate change is worsening water scarcity in rural Alaska and a host of new strategies is needed to help address the issue says a recent study.
Alaska

Probe into beach landslide as officials look at cliff collapse cause
Tons of mud and rock have plunged onto a beach just yards away from homes at Rhodfa Mor on the Gwynedd coast. Another landslide happened in the same area around a month ago, which allegedly caused a tree to crash through a bedroom window.
Wales, United Kingdom
North Wales Live

Australian islanders' homes being ‘eaten away’ by rising sea levels
‘Something has to be done right now ... don’t wait for the time when we’re going to be moved off and be refugees in our own country’
Masig Island, Torres Strait, Australia
The Independent

Ticks — and tick-borne risks — are creeping north to the Arctic as the climate warms
The warming climate in Alaska and across the circumpolar North is creating new health and safety risks for people, animals and ecosystems. This piece is the part of a series that explores zoonotic diseases and other hazards emerging in a warming and thawing Alaska. One warm June day, Joey Ausel found an odd speck

St Vincent volcano erupts again, spewing more gas and ash
Experts raise concerns about residents who refuse to evacuate as ‘huge explosion’ reported at La Soufriere volcano. The volcano, which last erupted in 1979, began spewing copious amounts of ash on Friday.
La Soufriere, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Al Jazeera

Lava flows have merged
The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula is creating lava flows from three locations in a roughly kilometre-long area. All three locations are part of the same magma dyke and the flow of lava from them into Geldingadalir and Meradalir valleys has now merged into one lava field.
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland

From Europe to Alaska, parts of the world are exceptionally cold right now
Switzerland and Slovenia both established new record low temperatures for April on Wednesday, while Alaska could see the mercury fall close to minus-50 on Saturday.
Europe, Alaska, northern Canada

Polar bears forced to eat seabird eggs as Arctic hunting ground shrinks
Polar bears have started scavenging in areas populated by humans, as well as coming ashore at the same time seabirds are nesting and snacking on their eggs. This new behavior is due to shrinking of their hunting grounds, where they usually hunt for smaller porpoises and seals.
Mitivik Island, Nunavut, Canada
The Independent

As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets
The tiny fishing fleet from St. Paul is losing the fight for halibut, up against factory ships that throw away more of the valuable fish than the Indigenous fishers are allowed to catch.
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States
National Geographic

Climate change driving marine species poleward
Warming waters have driven thousands of ocean species poleward from the equator, threatening marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on them.
Tropical Maine Ecosystems
Phys.org

Sea level rise is killing trees along the Atlantic coast, creating 'ghost forests'
As sea levels rise along the Atlantic coast, saltwater is intruding inland, killing trees and turning coastal forests into marshes. Should scientists try to slow the process, or work with it?
Atlantic Coastal Plain, United States
The Conversation

"We're defeated": Climate migrants fleeing storm-stricken Central America struggle to find refuge
More Central Americans have migrated north due to recent storms but haven't been able to enter the U.S. as experts warn climate crises will intensify migration.
Honduras
NBC News

Bering Sea Ice “Resilient” Against Winter Storms, Extent is Below Historical Average
News stories specifically for Western Alaska. Each article or newscast is filled with information about current events, legislation, political races, cultural celebrations, and…
Savoonga, Alaska, United States

Vancouver Island arbutus trees under stress due to fungus, climate change
Vancouver Island’s arbutus trees are looking more brown than green these days. Forest biologist Andy MacKinnon says a fungus is attacking the trees, causing the leaves to die off.
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Island

Finnair signs intention to purchase 20 battery planes
The Swedish-developed 19-seater ES-19 electric aircraft for short-haul routes could be ready for take-off with passengers by 2026. With zero-emissions, low-noise and possible to operate on 750-meter runways, the first generation electric planes will be perfect for commuter flights between small airports close to city centers, numerous in the Nordic countries.
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Thaw-triggered landslides are a growing hazard in the warming North
Midway along the 92-mile road that winds through Denali National Park, at a spot with an elevation of 3,500 feet and spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the braided rivers that flow out of it, an unstable wall of rock, ice, soil and clay rises precariously. The slope into which the road was cut eight decades ago is already collapsing gradually — and there are fears that it could collapse much more suddenly in the future.

New ermine species found on Southeast Alaska island
A never before seen species of Ermine (the Haida Ermine), has been discovered in Southeast Alaska. It is one of three main ermine species in the world. Researchers say the isolation of Prince of Wales Island and Haida Gwaii allowed the species to develop and that there could be more discoveries to be made.

As climate change increases Alaska’s wildfire risk, power companies say California-style blackouts could arrive in Alaska
The state’s electric companies are seeking a shield for liability from some wildfires started by broken power lines.

Russia Floats Arctic Shipping Route as ‘Viable’ Suez Canal Alternative
Russia has proposed its strategic Arctic shipping route as an alternative to the Suez Canal after a 400-meter cargo ship got stuck in the canal, blocking one of the world's key shipping routes and sparking fears of a rise in oil prices.

The Babushka of Baikal, the granny in her 80th year who has popularised the world’s deepest lake
Lyubov Morekhodova glides over the ice on skates made by her father not long after World War II. She has lived on the shores of Lake Baikal all her life, where winter temperatures plummet to minus 50C.
Khuzhir, Irkutsk, Russia
Siberian Times

Kalamazoo River Oil Spill: Facts and Environmental Impact
Learn about the Kalamazoo River oil spill, its environmental impact, and what made it one of the worst inland oil spills in US history.
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
Treehugger

Plastic pollution threatens the Mekong, a wildlife wonderland
Plastic pollution is threatening the wildlife in the Mekong River Basin.
Mekong River
UNEP

Garbage in the water: How old landfills are harming Inuit communities; marine food chains
The landfill in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, is overfull, but the hamlet can’t open a new landfill until it can pay to decommission the old one, says hamlet Mayor Harry Towtongie. A new environmental report says bad dumps are a problem in all of Canada's Inuit regions.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Conditions At Eruption Site Can Change Quickly, Authorities Warn
While the eruption site in Geldingadalur is closed today due to adverse weather conditions and high levels of toxic gases, authorities are aware of people’s interest in seeing the eruption and are working on securing the area and providing safe access. When visiting an active volcanic eruption, there are several things that must be taken […]
Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, Iceland

Russian scientists find microplastics in Siberian snow and rainwater
Scientists have discovered microplastics in rainwater and snow, in remote parts of Russia. The researchers first started looking into the pollution in 2020, and they have determined that the small fibers were carried to the remote wilderness by air currents.
Siberia, Russia
CGTN

Study finds wildfire caused massive bird die-off
There was a strong correlation between the observations of dead birds and wildfires and the toxic gases they produced, but not with the early winter storms.
Colorado, United States
High Country Kids

Here is how the B.C. government plans to eradicate murder hornets
Also dubbed the murder hornet, the invasive wasps threaten pollinators and have been found in communities along both sides of the Canada-U.S. border and on Vancouver Island. B.C. officials will focus on the Fraser Valley in their efforts to track and eradicate Asian giant hornets this year.
Fraser Valley G, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Is Awesome

Baby boom: More Right whale babies spotted off East Coast this season
An endangered species of whale that lives off the East Coast is having its best season for new babies in several years.
Portland, Maine, United States
WMUR

Heavy Winter Snowfalls May Become More Common In Y-K Delta
Recent storms have battered the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta coast and dumped multiple feet of snow in some places. Some are saying that this is more snow than
KYUK Bethel

Narwhal tusks reveal impact of climate change on Arctic sea ice
Enlarged tooth projecting from upper jaw of males offers window onto life in frozen seas as far back as 1960s. From 1990 until 2000, ice in northwest Greenland began to decline and the diet of the narwhals shifted to open-ocean prey such as capelin and polar cod. Narwhals accumulated small quantities of mercury as the new items of prey sat lower in the food chain.
Northwest, Greenland
The Independent

Across China: Chinese researchers release new permafrost stability map on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Xinhua

Butterflies in the West are disappearing
The climate crisis has caused a steep decline in butterfly sightings in the Rocky Mountain range. This decline is also consistent among other insect populations around the world. If this die-off continues, a great percentage of natural pollinators will cease to exist.
Rocky Mountains, Wyoming
High Country News

Manatees are dying at an unusually high rate across Florida in 2021
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, at least 358 manatees have died in Florida since Jan. 1. This is a staggering number compared to just 122 deaths by this time last year.
Titusville, Florida, United States
WPLG

Kelp forest off Northern California almost gone
The study shows the destruction of the kelp forest was related to an explosion in the population of purple sea urchin, which eats it, and two warm water events that lasted from 2014 to 2016.
Northern California Coast, United States
SFGATE

If cruise ships aren't behind Ketchikan’s beach bacteria problem, what is?
For the fourth year in a row, weekly summer water quality tests show that most Ketchikan beaches have elevated levels of bacteria that could make people sick. That happened this year even without dozens of cruise ships sailing through the Inside Passage and discharging wastewater.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States

Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium
Decline in system underpinning Gulf Stream could lead to more extreme weather in Europe and higher sea levels on US east coast.
North Atlantic Ocean

B.C. permafrost warming comes with climate warning
Landscape in far-northeastern corner of B.C., a broad swath of muskeg and boreal forest shaped by sporadic islands of permafrost, is warming
Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
vancouversun

More than 60,000 reindeer died in the Yamal tundra. Locals blame oil workers and icebreakers
In the village of Seyakha on the Yamal Peninsula, from last November from 60 to 80 thousand reindeer have died. The animals, on which the survival of the indigenous people depends, cannot get food - the lichen is covered with an ice crust. What is the reason and why the locals are dissatisfied with the support of the authorities?
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia
NEFT

Alaska could see more dangerous thunderstorms as Arctic sea ice melts and evaporation increases
Researchers predict a tripling of thunderstorms by the end of the century, which could lead to heavier rainfall and flash flooding, landslides and more lightning-sparked wildfires.

Loss of sockeye diversity threatens Skeena salmon, study finds
Researchers observe declines in sockeye salmon diversity of the Skeena River, British Columbia. Populations that have returned to their spawning grounds for years are at risk of dying out.
Skeena River
The Tyee

‘Breaking ice to move gas’: As Russian tanker-icebreaker duo complete milestone Arctic voyage, climate activists side with ice
Following a nuclear-powered icebreaker, a Russian tanker has sailed through the frigid Northern Sea Route for the first time ever in February. “Won’t somebody think of the poor ice?”, climate-conscious commenters shouted.
RT International

Arctic and tropical Pacific synergistic effects cause extremely cold winter in China
China is just one of many countries in the Northern Hemisphere experiencing an extremely cold winter due in part to both the tropical Pacific and the Arctic, according to an analysis of temperatures from Dec. 1, 2020 to mid-January of 2021.
China
Phys.org

Russian scientists probe prehistoric viruses dug from permafrost
Yakutsk, Sakha, Russia
CGTN.com

Salmon may have been too tired to navigate Whitehorse fish ladder, research suggests
William Twardek, a Carleton University PhD student who's been studying Yukon River chinook salmon, says his four-year research project has found that some fish simply can't make it past the fish ladder to reach their spawning grounds.

Bird flu detected in Estonia
The particularly dangerous strain of avian influenza virus H5N8 has been detected in a mute swan found on the Kopli peninsula in Tallinn.
Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia
ERR

Study links Alaska seals' waning health to warming Arctic
A new study has found evidence connecting the rapid warming of the region with a physical decline in three species of Alaska seals.

Group accidentally encountered a brown bear den before one of them was mauled near Haines
The man pretended to play dead during the attack and the bear ran away, a wildlife biologist said. He sustained injuries to his head and arms but troopers said he was in stable condition Monday.

B.C.’s old-growth forest nearly eliminated
As old-growth logging in B.C. continues, conservation organization creates detailed map showing original forests in B.C. have all but disappeared.
British Columbia, Canada
The Narwhal

Uttarakhand glacier avalanche raises alarm for similar devastation for Nepal sooner or later
On Sunday torrents of water, rock and dust hurtled down a mountain valley in the Uttarakhand state of Northern India. A Himalayan glacier broke below 7,816-metre Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak, sweeping away a small hydroelectric project and damaging a bigger one further downstream. One hundred to 150 people were feared dead.
Nanda Devi
Katmandu Post

Hungry Alaskan Bears Find a New Prey
There is a unexplained trend with sea otter carcasses on the beaches in Katmai National Park and Preserve. Many of the dead animals appeared to be in their prime.
Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Hakai Magazine

Nome Port Plans Approved As Navy Announces Arctic Focus
The port is expected to strengthen national security in the Arctic, given its strategic location on the Pacific Rim. The port is also expected to reduce shipping costs and make access to cargo and fuel cheaper for Western Alaska communities.

Scientists puzzled by 30,000 chinook that seem to be missing from Yukon River
A meeting of the Yukon River Panel focused on a surprising discrepancy between measurements at two different sonar stations. This could mean fish are dying or being miscounted, or that harvesting is going unreported.
Eagle, Alaska, United States

Scientists Identify New Whale Species In Gulf Of Mexico
Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believe they have identified a new species of whale in the Gulf of Mexico. The Rice's whale is a filter feeder that can grow to 42 feet. It's also critically endangered. There are believed to be fewer than 100 of them left.
Boise State

Sweden to build reindeer bridges over roads and railways
Sweden is to build up to a dozen bridges so reindeer can safely cross railway lines and major roads in the north of the country as global heating forces them to roam further afield in search of food.

How the loss of Bering Sea ice is triggering cascading effects for the ecosystem — and the people and wildlife that depend on it -
The Bering Sea region, the Pacific gateway to the Arctic Ocean, is home to ecosystems on land and in the ocean that are both abundant and fragile. It’s also changing very quickly — and those changes offer a preview of the changes in store for other parts of the Arctic.

Tuluksak desperate for a source of drinking water almost 2 weeks after fire destroyed water plant
Residents of the Southwest Alaska village are hauling water from the Kuskokwim River, collecting rainwater and drinking donated bottled water as officials seek a viable option.
Tuluksak, Alaska, United States

Deep water temperatures hit 'scary' highs
A decade-long warming trend in the Gulf of St. Lawrence continued in 2020. Water temperatures at depths of 200, 250 and 300 metres were higher than any measured in the Gulf since records started in 1915, hitting highs of 5.7 C, 6.6 C and 6.8 C. All were well above the normal variations.
Gulf of St Lawrence

Assembly makes plan to address Haines' bear problem
The Haines Borough Assembly’s Commerce Committee began chipping away at a plan to address the borough’s bear problem at a meeting Tuesday. Proposals ranged from stronger enforcement of bear-attractant laws, to the development of education and grant programs to help people secure their attractants, to a complete overhaul of the community’s solid waste management system.
Chilkat Valley News

Evacuations In Siglufjörður Due to Risk of Avalanche
The Department of Civil Protection has raised the level of alert from Uncertain to Dangerous, due to a risk of avalanches. This morning it was found that an avalanche had fallen on the Skarðsdalur Ski area. Nine houses in Siglufjörður will be evacuated.
Siglufjörður, Northeast, Iceland

State Report Says Salmon and Steelhead Are Near the Brink of Extinction
A new report from the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office shows salmon and steelhead populations in Washington state teetering on the brink of extinction. Five or the populations of salmon and steelhead listed a threatened or endangered, are in crisis.
Washington, United States
The Chronicle

Nation's sole heavy icebreaker arrives in Unalaska
Sitting in the Port of Dutch Harbor, the Polar Star is nearly 400 feet long and can break ice up to 21 feet thick. On Tuesday, the ship arrived for a pit stop with 136 crew members, 30 days into a months-long deployment to the Arctic. Their goal is to assert maritime sovereignty and security in the far north.

No danger to fish from summer's Great Slave Lake plume: ENR
January 15, 2021 - Following a summer and fall of cloudy waters in Great Slave Lake and the Hay and Slave Rivers, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR)...
NNSL Media

Skaters Perform on Kazakhstan’s Lakes
See Kazakh figure skater Elizabet Tursynbayeva skating to “Znai (Know)” by Dimash Kudaibergen on the frozen lakes of Kazakhstan.
Qusmuryn, Qostanay, Kazakhstan
The Astana Times

Record Cold Winter in Asia Sends Russian LNG Via Arctic to Japan
Cold temperatures and traffic congestion at the Panama Canal has resulted in a shortage of natural gas and exploding prices in parts of Asia. Now, Novatek aims to send LNG from the Arctic to Japan during the middle of winter in an untested high-risk, high-reward strategy.
Uelen, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia
High North News

Feeding barge “not leaking oil”
It will become clearer in the coming days how the sunken barge owned by Laxa aquaculture in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, will be re-floated after this weekend’s storm. Divers are working on the vessel again today and, so far, it appears no diesel or other oil has leaked into the sea.
Reyðarfjörður, East, Iceland

Russian Swimmer Claims New World Record With Baikal Under-Ice Swim
See video of Yekaterina Nekrasova 40, swim an 85-meter distance beneath the ice of Lake Baikal. Nekrasova beat the current under-ice swim record of 70 meters set by South African Amber Fillary in Norway last year.

Perisoreus canadensis Make Increasing Winter Appearances in the Sooke Hills
Sooke, British Columbia, Canada
Cody Thomas, David Oswald, Jessica Boquist

Rare blizzard in Spain leaves 4 dead and brings country to standstill
The national weather agency reported that as of 7 a.m., the snowfall in Madrid reached a level unseen in half a century.
Nombela, Castille-La Mancha, Spain
CBS NEWS

Bocaccio rockfish recruitment event
Bocaccio rockfish have made a huge comeback in B.C. since being deemed endangered in 2013, but the success story is being met with some trepidation as trawler fishermen can’t seem to avoid netting them now.
Canada's Pacific marine ecosystems

Yukon permafrost thaw reaching 'critical point' in some areas, says researcher
Permafrost in Canada's northwest is thawing much faster than researchers predicted 20 years ago, according to the president of the International Permafrost Association.

– Me er ein kommune i kneståande som har ein lang veg opp
Barnehage, sjukeheim, rådhus, legesenter, barneskule, vass- og avløpssystem, eit bustadfelt og ei av hovudfartsårene inn til Gjerdrum er sett ut av spel.
Ask, Akershus, Norway

How the climate affects mountain passes – 33 times closed in December 2019, zero in December 2020
Mildvær har holdt de mest utsatt fjellovergangene i Finnmark åpne for trafikk hele desember. – Man må bare nyte det, sier trafikkoperatør.
Sennalandet, Hammerfest, Finnmark Fylke, Norway

Are you waiting for the snow? Then the meteorologist has bad news
It doesn't look like Tromsø will get snow for a while.
Tromsø, Troms, Norway

Scientists say 2020 was exceptionally warm in Finland
Climate change and ice-free Arctic seas are contributing to milder temperatures in Finland.
Finland
Yle Uutiset

Western Arctic Caribou Population and Migration Patterns Continue to Change
The number of animals in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH) is down by 20 percent. The calving parturition average was also significantly lower than recent years, with 2020 at 67%.

Southwest Bird Die-Off Caused by Long-Term Starvation
A new report based on necropsies conducted by the USGS's National Wildlife Health Center in Wisconsin suggests that the die-off was caused by long-term starvation and was likely exacerbated by a spate of freakishly cold weather.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Smithsonian Magazine

Russia’s Environmental Disasters in 2020
Video | From forest fires larger than some European countries to historic oil spills, Russia's ecosystems faced unprecedented impacts this year.

Clean-up underway in devastated Seyðisfjörður
Residents of Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland have been returning home this weekend, and it will become clear today whether people from the part of the town that was first evacuated will also be allowed to return home now that the intense rain that caused devastating mudslides in the town, destroying or damaging a dozen houses and completely changing the appearance of the town and the fjord, has passed.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland

Deadly skin disease in dolphins linked to climate change
A closeup view of a bottlenose dolphin shows signs of skin lesions associated with a deadly skin disease known as ulcerative dermatitis. The increasing frequency and severity of storm systems drastically decrease the salinity of coastal waters, causing fatal skin disease in dolphins worldwide.
Gulf of Mexico
CTVNews

Parts of Eskifjörður Also To Be Evacuated Due To Risk of Mudslides
The National Police Commissioner has raised the level of alert for the town. After a week of extreme rainfall, devastating landslides have hit the town of Seyðisfjörður in east Iceland.
Seyðisfjörður, East, Iceland

City of Iqaluit approves $64M plan to build new reservoir
Newspaper of record for Nunavut, and the Nunavik territory of Quebec
Nunatsiaq News

Steindal glacier have retreated 391 meter over the last 20 years
In Troms and Finnmark, two glacier fronts have retreated, while one glacier front has progressed slightly. In the last 20 years, the glacier fronts have retreated between 340 and 593 meters.
Steindalsbreen, Tromsø, Norway

Governor declares a disaster for storm-damaged Southeast
Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Saturday signed a disaster declaration.

Dozens of Haines residents evacuated from their homes as rain and landslides continue
Dozens more homes in Haines were evacuated Thursday night as rain continued to saturate the mountainsides near residential neighborhoods.
KHNS Haines

Climate change is increasing winter drownings: study
As winters get warmer, the number of drowning deaths is going up. "I just don't think we have appreciated that is one of the costs," said one scientist.
Cabin Radio

Changing climate means more landslides in future, scientists say in wake of Haines disaster
The region is prime landslide territory and a changing climate - trending toward warmer, rainier winters - is likely to increase the frequency of slides in the future.
Chilkat Valley News

Kivalina emergency access road now open for use
The new road allows villagers to access higher ground as global warming causes their village site to erode.
Kivalina, Alaska, United States

Blame Climate Change for Historically Warm Fall in Russia’s Biggest Cities, Experts Say
Russia's two biggest cities will see warmer seasons over the next 10 years compared with the prior decade.
Moscow, Moscow, Russia

Pebble Mine Denied Permit in Victory for Tribes, Waterways and Planet
Environmental campaigners stressed the need for the incoming Biden White House to put in place permanent protections for Alaska's Bristol Bay after the Trump administration on Wednesday denied a permit for the proposed Pebble Mine that threatened "lasting harm to this phenomenally productive ecosystem" and death to the area's Indigenous culture.
EcoWatch

How Hardanger melted at a record pace from the last ice age
11,500 years ago, Norway experienced one of the fastest meltdowns the world has seen. Now scientists fear the same thing is happening elsewhere.
Folgefonna Hardangerfjorden glacier, Etne, Norway

Some of Nunavut's polar bears are getting fatter thanks to melting sea ice | Nunatsiaq News
It turns out that a bit of melting helps support larger populations of seals, which are the bears’ main food supply. But this benefit will likely dwindle as sea ice continues to melt due to climate change, said Brandon Laforest, senior specialist of Arctic species and ecosystems with WWF-Canada.
Gulf of Boothia

The neverending wildfire season in Colorado 2020
Meteorologist Alex O'Brien dives into what has led to an extended fire season this year.
Colorado, United States
KOAA

Russian Government Body Links Norilsk Arctic Fuel Spill To Shoddy Construction, Not Permafrost Melt
A spill that dumped thousands of tons of diesel fuel into the Russian Arctic earlier this year was caused by violations during construction and operation of a storage tank, not permafrost melt, according to a preliminary investigation.
Норильск, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Coronavirus: Denmark shaken by cull of millions of mink
Why the "Cluster 5" coronavirus mutation in fur farms has led to a nationwide cull and a political outcry.
Denmark
BBC News

People started coronavirus back-and-forth on mink farms, Dutch study shows
People carried the coronavirus onto mink farms in the Netherlands, starting a viral back-and-forth that ended up with 68% of fur farm workers and their close associates infected, researchers reported Tuesday.
Denmark

Surfers ask Vladimir Putin to take closer look at rocket fuel version of Kamchatka eco disaster
The appeal was sent to president Putin on 30 October on behalf of Moscow and St Petersburg surfing federations, pointing his attention to the fact that traces of rocket fuel were found in samples from the polluted area. It means that the anthropogenic version of the recent environmental catastrophe mustn’t be brushed aside, the surfers say.
Siberian Times

Drone footage captures swimmers close encounter with sharks and salmon at Bondi Beach
People swimming at Sydney's world famous Bondi Beach had a close shave with several sharks. Drone footage showed dozens of people taking a morning dip and swimming past a large school of salmon, unaware that up to two sharks, believed to be Grey Nurses, were feeding on the fish nearby.
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
SBS News

Death of Sea Life Off Russia Peninsula 'Caused By Algae'
The event caused a die off of up to 95% of marine life along the seabed. The Russia's Academy of Sciences announced that the mass death was due to the effects of toxins from single-cell algae. Environmentalists are conducting their own inquiries and were not yet able to confirm the official probe's findings.
Environmental campaigners said they were conducting their own inquiries and were not yet able to confirm the official probe's findings.
Петропавловск-Камчатский, Kamchatka Krai, Russia

Massive marine die-off in Russia could threaten endangered sea otters, other vulnerable species
Now believed to be caused by an unprecedented algae bloom, the decimation of bottom-dwelling sea life may have devastating ripple effects.
Петропавловск-Камчатский, Kamchatka Krai, Russia
National Geographic

Could a Lethal Algae Bloom Have Killed Kamchatka’s Sea Creatures? Some Marine Biologists Think So
A broad area of yellow foam is prompting some marine biologists to blame the catastrophe on a harmful algae. However, Governor Vladimir Solodov believes the most likely explanation is a spill. Tests have shown petroleum levels four times higher and phenol levels 2.5 times above normal.
Петропавловск-Камчатский, Kamchatka Krai, Russia

Russian rocket fuel leak likely cause of marine animal deaths
Injured surfers and large number of dead sea creatures reported in Kamchatka region. Some experts have suggested highly toxic rocket fuel could have leaked into the sea. The first test site, Radygino, is about six miles (10km) from the sea.

How Shaktoolik, Alaska is Addressing Flooding and Erosion
Eugene Asicksik, the mayor at the time, had watched Shaktoolik’s shoreline erode for years. After the September 2013 storm threw tree-sized driftwood dangerously close to the homes, Eugene knew something had to be done to protect the community. He turned to beavers for inspiration, designing Shaktoolik’s first storm surge berm based on the impressive beaver dams upriver.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
ANTHC Center for Environmentally Threatened Communities

Fins aren’t where they used to be, dolphin study shows
Bottlenose dolphins on Scotland’s east coast are expanding their range and swimming further south, according to one of the world’s longest-running studies of the species.
The Times

Yukon River Communities Ask Governor To Declare Fishery Disaster
Organizations representing Yukon River communities are drafting a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy seeking a fishery disaster declaration for this summer’s
Nunam Iqua, Alaska, United States
KUAC

Rising water temperatures pose risks to Arctic char: new research
When Arctic fish are too hot, they can get lethargic, slow down, and possibly turn back during their migration to seek cooler water. When the water gets really warm they can even lose their ability to stay upright.
Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada

Mystery of hundreds of elephant deaths in Botswana solved
The sudden deaths of some 330 elephants in northwestern Botswana earlier this year may have occurred because they drank water contaminated by toxic blue-green algae, the government announced Monday.
Okavango Delta

Western Hemlock Looper Outbreak

Task force recommends seasonal hire to address town's bear problem
This year has seen a dramatic increase in bear activity with bear-related calls up by 600%, according to police chief Heath Scott. As many as 22 bears have been shot in defense of property this year.

Invasive shrimp-sucking parasite continues northward Pacific expansion
Researchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in the waters of British Columbia's Calvert Island. The discovery represents the northern-most record of the parasite on the West Coast and is likely an indication of its ability to spread without human transport.
Calvert Island, British Columbia, Canada

Mercury released by permafrost thaw puts Yukon River fish at risk: study
If carbon emissions continue at current rates, so much mercury will leach from thawing permafrost that fish in the Yukon River could become dangerous to eat within a few decades.
Yukon River
Reuters

Jasper National Park says one caribou herd gone, two others on the brink of local extinction
Parks Canada's website says that early park management practices resulted in too many wolves, while trails used for skiing and snowshoeing also made easy access for wolves to prey on the caribou herds. Habitat loss as a result of increased wildfires, insect outbreaks and human activity have also contributed to the population decline.
Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, Canada

Newtok Power Outage Lasts Three Weeks, Spoiling Subsistence Food In Freezers
People in Newtok have been without power for almost three weeks. Families without personal generators have seen their freezers thaw out, and watched a summer’s worth of subsistence harvest go to waste.

Red Dog Mine starts water purification project
The Red Dog Mine announced last week that it was able to start the use of a new waste water treatment system to purify water after record-breaking warm weather in 2019 caused the sediment levels to rise in the Ikalukrok and Wulik Rivers.
Red Dog Mine, Alaska, United States
The Arctic Sounder

Svalbard experienced hottest summer on record
Glaciers are melting, permafrost thaws and buildings are sagging. What scares the scientists most is studies of decomposing carbon from beneath the ground being emitted to the atmosphere as CO2 or methane.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Arctic permafrost mounds: More than 400 sealed ‘craters’ are ticking time bombs
The mounds are believed to be caused by the build up of methane gas in pockets of thawing permafrost under the surface  Dissecting them like surgical abscesses to release the gas is seen as one solution to avoid future eruptions.
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada
High North News

Pink salmon could prosper in warmer Arctic, new study finds
The findings bolster reports by Alaska subsistence fishermen that the species’ numbers have been increasing as the Arctic warms at more than double the rate of the rest of the globe.

Permafrost thaw results in $20 million in water management expenses for Alaska zinc mine
Permafrost thaw surrounding the massive Red Dog Mine is releasing higher natural levels of dissolved minerals and other particles into streams, Teck Resources Ltd. says
Red Dog Mine, Alaska, United States

Fish runs and berries are down, bear break-ins in Southeast Alaska are way up
Some biologists think the trend is related to the reduced hunting pressure from Outside hunters this year.

Dramatic growth in glacial lakes globally
In the largest study of glacial lakes ever conducted, researchers using satellite data from NASA and Google Earth have found the volume of water in glacial lakes has increased by 50 per cent since 1990 as glaciers melt due to climate change.
Nepal
CTV News, Calgary

Expedition to North Pole paints picture of Arctic climate change
The expedition's easy journey from Greenland to the North Pole is another indicator of how the Arctic is impacted by climate change more than anywhere else on Earth, writes CBC's northern meteorologist.
North Pole

Study shows Alaska salmon are shrinking
The shrinking of chinook, sockeye, coho and chum salmon has a negative impact on the number of eggs fish lay, but smaller body sizes also mean fewer meals, fewer commercial fishing dollars and fewer nutrients transported into rivers every year.

Alaska's salmon are getting smaller, affecting people and ecosystems
The size of salmon returning to rivers in Alaska has declined dramatically over the past 60 years because they are spending fewer years at sea, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Phys.Org

One of the sources of toxic emissions was closed down in Omsk.
In Omsk, court enforcement officers suspended the operation of an asphalt mixing plant, which emits harmful substances into the air.
Omsk, Omsk, Russia
Russian newspaper

400 million rubles will be allocated for waste elimination in Usolie-Sibirskoye.
The Interdepartmental Working Group approved a list of priority measures to eliminate environmental damage in the town of Usolie-Sibirskoye, Irkutsk Region. This was reported by the press service of Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko.
Усолье-Сибирское, Irkutsk, Russia
Russian newspaper

A large waste depository is being reclaimed in the Russian Arctic
In the Murmansk region, the reclamation of a large waste storage facility for the former Snezhnaya poultry farm, which ceased to exist about 15 years ago, has begun. The total cost of the project is over 461 million rubles.
Murmansk, Murmansk, Russia
Russian newspaper

Troops set to work decontaminating ‘Siberian Chernobyl’ amid fears of ecological catastrophe
Radiation, chemical and biological forces tackle two million tonnes of toxic chemical waste with huge mercury stockpile and oil poisons.
Usol'ye-Sibirskoye, Irkutsk, Russia
Siberia Times

'Quite dire': Fraser River sockeye salmon run expected to be worst ever recorded
This year is shaping up to be the worst for sockeye salmon in the Fraser River since tracking began in 1893, according to the Pacific Salmon Commission.
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

In Colorado’s climate change hot spot, the West’s water is evaporating
The largest part of the continental United States to warm more than 2 degrees Celsius since 1895 feeds the Colorado River.
Grand Valley, Colorado, United States

For first time in 8 years, 100% of Colorado is under drought or abnormally dry conditions
A combination in Colorado of paltry spring snow, warmer temperatures that triggered earlier melting of winter mountain snowpack, feeble rain through summer, and parched soil from previous dry years led to this formal label.
The Denver Post

What you need to know about B.C.'s so-called murder hornets
Asian giant hornets are the largest of all hornet species. This specimen was 1½ inches (four centimetres) long but they can be up to a centimeter longer and have a wingspan the size of a small hummingbird.

Rivers are threatened by both shallowing and flooding
The Russian region is threatened by water- both its excess and its absence. This was announced on Monday at a weekly conference at the National Anti-Crisis Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia
Черкесск, Karachayevo-Cherkesiya, Russia
Российская газета

Two Canadian ice caps have completely vanished from the Arctic
New NASA imagery shows that the St. Patrick bay ice caps have vanished from Arctic Canada, two years sooner than scientists predicted
St. Patrick's Bay Ice Caps
livescience.com

‘What choice do we have?’ As the Arctic warms, Alaska Inupiat adapt.
“People assume that we’re entering this new Arctic, when in reality we have faced adversity for thousands of years. We’ve always been able to adapt and be resilient.

Wildlife shows signs its thriving amid the COVID-19 pandemic
South Africa
CGTN

Lack of bees, pollination limiting crop yields across U.S., B.C.
A lack of wild bees and managed honeybees is limiting pollination and yields for certain crops on farms in British Columbia and across the United States, a collective of researchers has found.
North America

The number of people infected with coronavirus in Russia has reached 800,000
The number of deaths was more than 13,000
Moscow, Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Times in Russian

Anoxic events in P.E.I. waterways: 9 already this year
Nine waterways on P.E.I. have experienced anoxic events so far this year, something experts say is unusual.
Estuaries of P.E.I., Canada

Who pours fuel into Baikal? We're going to ask an expert
Maksim Tokarev, the head of the Save Baikal project, told Sputnik radio about new initiatives aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the lake.
Байкал, Irkutsk, Russia
Радио Sputnik

Newly-discovered seaweed species threatens protected coral reefs in Pacific
Scientists have said the algae is spreading faster than anything they have seen in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Pearl & Hermes Atoll, Midway, US Minor Outlying Islands
Sky News

Century-old photos show effects of climate change in Rocky Mountain forests
Towering crags and peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains have been getting steadily greener over the past century, according to a new study.
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Vancouver Sun

Swine flu strain with human pandemic potential increasingly found in pigs in China
New study spotlights influenza virus that could wreak havoc if it adapts to humans.
China
Science | AAAS

Sea lice outbreak in juvenile salmon prompts First Nations leaders to call for fish farm closures
Wild salmon have higher rates of the parasites when ocean fish farms are near, research shows
Discovery Islands
Victoria News
Zoe Ducklow, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Historic low numbers of large wild Atlantic salmon
A group advocating for the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon says the number of adult salmon returning to North America rivers fell to near historic lows last year.
Rivers of Eastern Canada

Mass vaccination is underway on Yamal tundra
The world’s biggest reindeer population is up for big vaccination as regional authorities in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug act to stave off outbreaks of anthrax.
Salekhard, Yamalo-Nenetskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Climate change leading to Arctic spider baby boom
Scientists discover Arctic wolf spiders are doubling their egg production due to warmer weather. At the Zackenberg Research Station in Greenland, the scientists observed wolf spider populations in the area between 1996 and 2014 and noticed the arachnids were laying many more eggs as the Arctic experienced warmer weather.
Zackenberg Research Station
CNET

Hottest May on record with Russian Arctic hardest hit
May 2020 was the hottest May on record, reported the Copernicus Climate Change Service on June 5. Their data shows that globally, last month was 0.63 C warmer than the average May from 1981-2010.
RCI | English

Here goes the landslide in Alta: – I ran for my life
Jan Egil Bakkeby had to flee for his life when he suddenly heard it start to crack in the cabin. Soon after, he witnessed the entire building being washed up on water.
Vuorašnjárga
VG

The Blob is Warming BC’s Fjords
Scientists thought it was dead. But it’s heating water faster than the global average.
Fjords of British Columbia
The Tyee

Red alert for northern Siberia as heat shocks threaten life on tundra
New temperature maps for the endless stretches of Russian Arctic lands bear witness of unprecedented warming.
Noyabrsk, Yamalo-Nenetskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

"People Need to Know What is Happening to Us Here”: Two Alaska Villages Face a Climate Emergency
Melting permafrost, land erosion, and heavy rains are causing these villages to flood and sink
Nunapitchuk, Alaska, United States
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Unusual warmth pours over North Pole, potentially jump-starting melt season for Arctic ice
It was a remarkably cold winter across the high Arctic, at least compared to the abnormally mild winters in many recent years, but the weather pattern has reversed this spring.

Seasons are changing length, new comparison shows
Winters are getting shorter and summers are getting longer, a new comparison shows. In most regions of the U.S. and Canada, summer is about 6-10% longer and winter is about 7-11% shorter. In Alaska, winters are about 30% shorter than they were just a lifetime ago.

Pandemic strains management of Yukon River salmon
Biologists have to figure out how to monitor salmon populations in rural communities without the danger of bringing the coronavirus into those communities.
Emmonak, Alaska, United States

Permafrost thawing puts the frozen carbon at risk over the Tibetan Plateau
Soil organic carbon (SOC) stored in permafrost across the high-latitude/altitude Northern Hemisphere represents an important potential carbon source under future warming. Here, we provide a comprehensive investigation on the spatiotemporal dynamics of SOC over the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau (TP), which has received less attention compared with the circum-Arctic region. The permafrost region covers ~42% of the entire TP and contains ~37.21 Pg perennially frozen SOC at the baseline period (2006–2015). With continuous warming, the active layer is projected to further deepen, resulting in ~1.86 ± 0.49 Pg and ~3.80 ± 0.76 Pg permafrost carbon thawing by 2100 under moderate and high representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), respectively. This could largely offset the regional carbon sink and even potentially turn the region into a net carbon source. Our findings also highlight the importance of deep permafrost thawing that is generally ignored in current Earth system models.
Tibet, China
Science Advances

Heat Wave Brings Higher Ozone Levels To Riverside County
Unhealthful air quality is plaguing the region.
Anaheim, California, United States
Patch

Global warming fuels algal bloom disrupting fisheries in Arabian Sea
A new scientific study published Monday found that global warming is fueling a destructive algal bloom that is disrupting fisheries in the Arabian sea.
UPI

Explosion of beavers on the Baldwin Peninsula is part of their march north of the Arctic Circle
How the beavers got to the Baldwin Peninsula, which is surrounded by salt water and extends north of the Arctic Circle, is anyone’s guess.
Selawik, Alaska, United States

‘Murder Hornets’ in the U.S.: The Rush to Stop the Asian Giant Hornet
Sightings of the Asian giant hornet have prompted fears that the vicious insect could establish itself in the United States and devastate bee populations.
Blaine, Washington, United States
New York Times

Salmon are getting sick too
Feather, fur or fin, all creatures contend with viruses.
Even those athletes of our rivers, Atlantic salmon, usually aren’t as healthy as they look.
A study of tissue samples taken from 150 Atlantic salmon found 14 separate infectious
Western North Atlantic Ocean
The Chronicle Herald

Researchers say climate change is impacting diet of whales
An Oregon State University researcher is using whale poop to ultimately help protect them.
KGW

Russia losing Arctic land from erosion on par with area of Liechtenstein, scientists say
Scientists found out that amid climate change in the summer, drifting ice goes further north, and the coastal area is freed from ice for a longer period.
TASS

First federal assessment of Arctic Ocean finds drastic change
Changes are coming to the Arctic so fast that scientists haven't even had a chance to understand what's there

Scientists, forecasters ask Alaskans for river breakup information
Alaskans can help the National Weather Service monitor rivers during a potentially dangerous breakup this year through a University of Alaska Fairbanks citizen science project.
College, Alaska, United States
UAF news and information

Beaver invasion on the Baldwin Peninsula
Scientists have documented a recent population explosion of beavers on the Baldwin Peninsula near Kotzebue.
UAF Geophysical Institute

Releasing herds of animals into the Arctic could help fight climate change, study finds
With enough animals, 80% of all permafrost could be preserved through the end of this century, researchers believe.
Черский, Нижнеколымский район, Sakha, Russia

Grazing crisis became the main topic in meeting with the President of the Sami Parliament
The grazing crisis in reindeer herding, the corona situation and the work on the Norwegian-Swedish Reindeer Grazing Convention was the theme of the meeting between Minister of Agriculture and Food Olaug Vervik Bollestad (KrF) and Sami Parliament President Aili Keskitalo.
Sápmi, Norway
Regjeringen.no

Anchorage isn’t a ghost town yet. But it’s not the same.
In big and small ways, a pandemic has altered what Anchorage feels like to live in, from coffee to court to riding the bus.

First payment from the emergency preparedness fund for reindeer feeding - Directorate of Agriculture
On Friday 13 March, the Directorate of Agriculture paid out NOK 2 million from the emergency preparedness fund. The funds go to the Middle and Eastern Zone in Western Finnmark reindeer grazing area. 160 000 animals within the Sami reindeer grazing area have now been affected by the grazing crisis.
Nesoddtangen, Akershus, Norway
The Norwegian Government

Roundup of COVID-19 responses around the Arctic
With the number of COVID-19 cases outside of China increasing 13-fold, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global pandemic on Thursday, urging governments “to take urgent and aggressive action” to stop its spread.
Eye on the Arctic • Special Reports

Climate change is putting N.W.T. cemeteries in crisis and communities are worried
Many communities in the Northwest Territories are worried about the impacts climate change is having on their cemeteries.

With heavy snow, moose are top of mind for Iditarod mushers
Many mushers have seen high numbers of moose while training, spurring them to pack guns during this year’s 1,000-mile race to Nome.
Emmonak, Alaska, United States

Mild and Wet February
The monthly temperature for the entire country in February was 4.0 degrees above normal, and the month became the 7th wettest in the series dating back to 1900.
Kvitsøy, Rogaland
Meteorologisk institutt

Why Are Swarms Of Locusts Wreaking Havoc In East Africa?
Clouds of the insects can stretch for miles, devouring vegetation and destroying crops. Locust experts say time is running out to get the swarms under control because they multiply so quickly.
Otuke, Uganda

'The Blob’ fizzles - at least for now - as storms churn and chill the North Pacific
The Northeast Pacific Marine Heatwave of 2019 was the second longest-lasting and second-largest such event recorded over the past 39 years, according to NOAA.

Finland nearly 1 degree warmer than usual in 2019
It was warmer and wetter last year than national averages, the Finnish Meteorological Institute reports.
Finland

Survey shows continuing population decline for Cook Inlet belugas
A biennial NOAA survey in 2018 estimated the population of the white whales at 250 to 317.
Cook Inlet

In Juneau snow and rain, temperature swings are formula for higher avalanche risk
Looking at each snow layer tells a story about the winter.

Anglers in Scotland to be banned from taking their catch home as salmon stocks reach 'crisis point'
Anglers will be banned from taking their catch home on more than 100 rivers in Scotland this year - as wild salmon stocks reach 'crisis point'.
Scotland, United Kingdom
Scotsman

Marine Heat Wave Linked to Sharp Increase in Whale Entanglements
An ocean heat wave off the U.S. West Coast from 2014 to 2016 drove humpback whales into a narrow band of cooler water, leading to a dramatic increase in whale entanglements with crab-fishing gear, according to a new study.
Yale E360

Cold snap in Northern B.C. will kill bark beetles, but won't erase threat, says B.C. entomologist
Bark beetle experts say a recent cold snap has likely killed some spruce beetle infestations in northern B.C.

Haines Borough convenes task force to deal with roaming, dumpster-flipping bears
According to Haines Borough Police Chief Heath Scott, the department received 182 bear-related calls in 2019. That is more than double the number of bear-related calls they received the previous year. Said Fish and Game bear biologist Anthony Crupi, “With really low returns of pink salmon and coho salmon this year, bears are really searching out any opportunities they can find” .

Previously Unknown Viruses Discovered in Melting Glacier | The Weather Channel
Scientists sampling ice cores from a glacier in China discovered 28 viruses that had been frozen in time for as long as 15,000 years, and were not previously known to mankind.
Tibet, China
The Weather Channel

Massive die-off of Pacific seabirds linked to a warm-water ‘blob’
New research shows the marine heat wave that spread from California to Alaska starting in 2014 caused common murres to starve to death.

It’s official: Alaska just had its warmest year on record
The average statewide temperature for the year was 32.2 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Wednesday. That breaks the previous record for the warmest year statewide, set in 2016 at 31.9 degrees.

The Russian military cargo ship that violated Arctic shipping code breaks free from ice lockup
Three weeks after it got stuck in Arctic sea-ice, the Sparta-3 makes it into open waters. The situation on board had been strained as reserves of fuel and water shrunk to low levels and the crew had to fight hard with icing. The military transport vessel did not have permission for sailing in the area.

Record number of salmon eggs found in Maine river
Atlantic salmon laid a record number of eggs in a Maine river last year, according to a conservation group that tracks the animal's status in the wild.
East Machias, Maine, United States
Houston Chronicle

Invasive seaweed makes its move along Rhode Island coast
University of Rhode Island student stumbled upon the first appearance in Rhode Island of what has come to be called sea potatoes (Colpomenia peregrina), an invasive seaweed native to the coast of Korea and Japan that grows on top of other seaweeds.
Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island, United States
Westerly Sun

Clamming on the Kenai Peninsula is a no-go for 2020
This marks the sixth straight year of the personal-use razor clam shutdown.
Clam Gulch, Alaska, United States

Yukon reopens hunt as Fortymile caribou population booms
Reduced to just 6,500 animals in 1995, the Fortymile caribou herd in Yukon has seen a remarkable comeback, now numbering around 84,000.
Dawson City, Yukon, Canada

Fall chum salmon run failed to hit escapement goal on Porcupine River
Numbers from Fishing Branch, a tributary of the Porcupine River, fell below management and treaty goals, experts from Alaska and the Yukon said at the Yukon River Panel’s meeting in Whitehorse earlier this month.

The Amazingly Cool Anna's Hummingbird Scoffs at Winter
Vancouver’s official bird is a sex-crazed, smart, supercharged recent arrival.
The Tyee

As Anchorage warms, wintertime is defined by ice as much as snow
For many in Anchorage, winter and its accompanying outdoor opportunities are something to relish rather than escape. But residents of the state’s largest city are being forced to renegotiate their relationship with winters.

The wildlife visitors warning of climate disaster
Britain’s milder weather is attracting exotic guests. While we may celebrate their arrival now it should also alert us to what’s ahead
Southern England, United Kingdom

No snow? No problem: 8 activities for snowless days
Who needs a pricey gym when you can use the forest or even your backyard for a fun workout?
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

On land, Australia's rising heat is 'apocalyptic'; in the ocean, it's even worse
BRUNY ISLAND, TASMANIA (WASHINGTON POST) - Even before the ocean caught fever and reached temperatures no one had ever seen, Australia's ancient giant kelp was cooked.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Australia
The Straits Times

214 grey whales washed up dead in 2019
214 grey whales stranded in the Pacific in 2019, and scientists are preparing for more deaths in 2020 because whales are emaciated and skinny.
Northeast Pacific coast

A Washington Post correspondent talks about reporting on climate change on Alaska's North Slope
The Washington Post made the Alaska North Slope village of Nuiqsut front page news earlier this month, under a provocative headline: "Alaska's warming, but can't quit big oil." We talked with the reporter who wrote the story.

Rare woodpeckers turn out in large numbers
Birdwatchers in 2019 spotted the second-largest number of rare woodpeckers recorded so far in Finland. White-backed and three-toed woodpeckers rarely appear in the hundreds.

Camera Traps Show Invasive Coyotes Heading Toward South America
North American coyotes don’t live in South America, but new research suggests that could change, should deforestation in Central America continue.
Darién, Panama
Gizmodo

As Alaska permafrost melts, roads sink, bridges tilt and greenhouse gases escape
Alaska’s Arctic landscape is under assault from a warming climate, and it’s happening a lot faster than anticipated.

Nova Scotia town sinking as sea levels rising
Liverpool, N.S., is trying to ward off flood waters from rising sea levels while the community is also starting to sink.
Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada

Beekeeping in Southeast Alaska ain't easy
Specially adapted bees and overwintering procedures help mitigate the cold.

Tiny shells reveal waters off California are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean
In first-of-its-kind research, NOAA scientists and academic partners used 100 years of microscopic shells to show that the coastal waters off California are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean average—with the seafood supply in the crosshairs.
Santa Barbara Basin, California, USA

Salmon frenzy in western Arctic reaches historic high
The Arctic Salmon Project collected 2,400 samples from the western Arctic this year — more than the past 20 years combined.
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, Canada

Grizzly bears move north in High Arctic as climate change expands range
Hunters say grizzly bears are showing up in growing numbers on islands of the Beaufort Sea.
Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories, Canada
National Post

Facing catastrophic climate change, they still can’t quit Big Oil
In Alaska, a new oil boom is on the horizon even as climate change arrives and greenhouse gas emissions climb.

Looking for climate change’s big picture, rural Alaska communities gather to compare notes
SPONSORED: Extreme weather events, subsistence changes and water shortages are becoming increasingly common across Alaska, but no two communities experience the same impacts.

2019 salmon season fell short in some areas
As nearly every commercial salmon fisherman in Upper Cook Inlet can tell you, the 2019 season fell far short in every department.
Homer News

Napakiak Erosion Accelerating
For as long as anyone remembers, Napakiak has been retreating from the Kuskokwim. The village of about 400 people sits on a bend in the river, and every
Napakiak, Alaska, United States

Lives adrift in a rapidly warming world: A photographic portrait
Climate change may seem like a distant danger to many, but around the globe, people are seeing its full, transformative impact. From Alaska to Angola, Qatar to Colorado and more, Post photographers share their stories of a growing crisis.

Whitehorse failing on icy sidewalks, councillor says
According to city staff, complaints about sidewalks have been coming to the bylaw department about once every other day — there have been 15 since Nov. 1,

Maine lobster catch headed for decline but not crash, scientists say
The decline will mean tens of millions fewer pounds of lobster each year, but still enough lobsters to support a robust business and supply hungry seafood lovers.. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries from the Bangor Daily News.
Maine, United States
Bangor Daily News

Witnessing climate change in Gambell
As I write, we have yet to see sea ice reach the Utqiagvik shores.
Gambell, Alaska, United States

Yellowknife students urge government to declare climate emergency
Students and residents gathered in front of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Friday to compel the government to declare a climate change emergency.

New Map Aims to Improve Safety of Travellers in Iceland
Safetravel.is, which aims to reduce the risk of travel-related accidents in Iceland, has introduced a new map. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir formally introduced the map at the What’s On Tourist Information Centre in downtown Reykjavík this week. The new map combines what once were three maps – vedur.is, vegagerdin.is, …

Monitoring water quality after wildfires
The first storm of the season not only tamped down the fire, it also began the process of flushing an unknown mixture of metals, toxic organic compounds, and other chemicals from the air, ash, and debris into the region’s creeks and rivers.
Paradise, California, United States
Chemical & Engineering News

Alaska Town Fleeing to Higher Ground
Rising sea levels will threaten three times more people in the next 30 years than previously thought, according to the latest scientific estimates. Among the hundreds of millions of people worldwide facing the threat are the 400 residents of Newtok, Alaska. Rising river and eroding land is pushing the entire community to relocate, despite emotional and logistical hurdles.
PBS News

Russian birch trees are ‘climbing mountains’ due to climate change
The tree line is moving up mountains at a rate of half a meter a year, say researchers from Krasnoyarsk Science Centre, part of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarskiy, Russia
Siberia Times

Failing permafrost cellars signal change in Alaska whaling towns
A growing number of Arctic underground cellars are being rendered unreliable as global warming and other modern factors force changes to an ancient way of life.

Extraordinarily warm fall a big problem in Canadian Arctic
Temperatures across the Arctic have been warmer than usual this fall, with one community in the Northwest Territories recording above-average temperatures for 72 days in a row.
Canadian Arctic

Anchorage conference helps Alaska Native tribes adapt to a changing climate
Alaskans came from all corners of the state to learn how to adapt to a changing climate at a conference in Anchorage this week.

Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Bushfires Destroy 80% of Their Habitat
As Australia experiences record-breaking drought and bushfires, koala populations have dwindled along with their habitat, leaving them “functionally extinct.”
New South Wales and Queensland, Australia
Forbes

Some like it hot, but Arctic cod do not
Arctic cod are a cornerstone of the Arctic food chain as a staple food of seals and beluga whales, upon which subsistence food gatherers rely in the region’s coastal communities.

New report sheds more light on climate change impacts to Alaska Native villages
A recent report compiled by the Army Corps of Engineers and researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks documents erosion and other environmental threats facing communities in rural Alaska.

Metlakatla, which depends on water, has moved quickly to accommodate the realities of drought
Following a season of drought, the Southeast Alaska community of Metlakatla is navigating a different relationship with water, like a number of other places in the region.
Metlakatla, Alaska, United States

No one is sure why the Mulchatna caribou are disappearing in Southwest Alaska
The Mulchatna herd was not at the peak numbers it once had decades ago. Over-hunting, migration changes and wolf predation could be leading causes of decline in herd.
Bristol Bay Region

Microplastics found in the stomach and intestines of Arctic belugas harvested for food
In the North, where food prices are notoriously high, beluga whales are a staple community resource

Vigilance advised after saxitoxin found in clams
Scientists have detected toxic algae in clams from the Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea regions of northern and western Alaska, according to a new bulletin. This set of clams was taken on August 22, 2019 about 50 miles north of Cape Lisburne.
Cape Lisburne
Alaska Sea Grant

Open water replaces sea ice as the autumn norm in Western Arctic
Open water has become the November norm in the Chukchi Sea northwest of Alaska. Instead of thick, years-old ice, researchers are studying waves and how they may pummel the northern Alaska coastline.
Chukchi Sea

Ask a Climatologist: Where's winter?
There has been little snowfall, temperatures are above normal and there is little to no sea ice on Alaska's northern coasts.

Northern Bering Sea trawl survey shows fisheries in flux
NOAA Fisheries' summer trawl survey shows Norton Sound red king crab are moving, Arctic cod numbers have dropped significantly, and Pacific cod are continuing to increase as the Northern Bering Sea ecosystem undergoes drastic change.
Northern Bering Sea

Japan’s ‘national butterfly’ sees alarming decline in population
Japan's magnificent great purple emperor butterfly is at risk of dying out, a nationwide research pr
Japan
The Asahi Shimbun

Study finds marine mammal viruses are traveling between oceans as sea ice recedes
As sea ice in the Arctic decreases due to climate change, it’s opening the way for more than cruise ship travel. Scientists have found evidence that links the decline of sea ice to the emergence of a virus in Arctic marine mammals that has killed thousands of seals in European waters.
KOTZ Radio 720 AM

A seal-killing virus probably spread from the North Atlantic to North Pacific because of sea-ice retreat
When scientists found that Alaska sea otters were exposed to a sometimes-deadly virus that plagues seals in the North Atlantic, they were puzzled. Phocine distemper virus had not been previously found in Alaska waters.

How climate change is triggering a chain reaction that threatens the heart of the Pacific
The fast-warming Sea of Okhotsk, wedged between Russia and Japan, is a cautionary tale of the far-reaching consequences when climate dominoes begin to fall.
Shiretoko Peninsula

One of the world's thickest mountain glaciers is melting because of global warming
For half a century, Taku had been the one known Alaskan glacier to withstand the effects of climate change – until now.
Taku Glacier, Alaska USA
USA TODAY

Toxin levels in Baltic herring drop significantly, spurring export hopes
Thanks to stricter pollution laws, toxin levels have been dropping steadily in the Baltic. Concentrations of environmental toxins have dropped by as much as 80 percent.
Baltic Sea

Australia's lost shellfish reefs are roaring back to life
In just a few years, 8 million native angasi oyster hatchlings have been placed in the waters off Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, on the recycled mollusc shells collected from restaurants. They've turned empty, sandy seabeds into thriving ecosystems.
Port Philip Bay, Victoria, Australia
ABC News

Deadly virus spreads among marine mammals as Arctic ice melts
When sea otters in Alaska were diagnosed with phocine distemper virus (PDV) in 2004, scientists were confused. The pathogen in the Morbillivirus genus that contains viruses like measles had then only been found in Europe and on the eastern coast of North America.
National Geographic

Climate change and overfishing are boosting toxic mercury levels in fish
Regulations have lowered mercury emissions globally, but the risks to ocean ecosystems and human health may be getting worse.
Canada's Pacific marine ecosystems
The Conversation

Seal population on the rise in Baltic Sea
The grey seal population has grown by an average of five percent annually since the turn of the millennium.
Kökar, Ålands skärgård, Aland Islands

Why are birds and seals starving in a Bering Sea full of fish?
The animal die-offs offer the world a stark example of the perils of rising ocean temperatures, which already are upending parts of the Bering Sea ecosystem.
The Seattle Times

Dwindling catches and soaring prices spell trouble for Hokkaido’s squid town
As wholesale prices skyrocket for Pacific flying squid amid a record low catch in Japan, processing companies in the "squid town" of Hakodate, Hokkaido, ar
Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
The Japan Times

Chukotka Proposed to Declare Polar Bear Encounters with Humans as Emergency Situations
Chukotka officials propose to classify polar bear sightings in populated areas as emergencies to mobilize resources for managing these situations.
Chukotka, Russia
IA Chukotka

Large Decline in Pacific Herring Stock
Conservation groups are calling for the immediate closure of the herring fishery in the Strait of Georgia following the release of new federal government data showing a four-year population biomass decline of almost 60 per cent. “We’ve been systematically overfishing these stocks and the Gulf of Georgia fishery is the last one left,” Pacific Wild...
Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada

Anchorage considers shortening studded tire season by 2 weeks
By better aligning the tire season with average snowfall, the city hopes to limit road deterioration.

Sea urchin explosion decimates kelp forests off Pacific coast
Similar to what has happened in B.C., tens of millions of voracious purple sea urchins have chomped their way through towering underwater kelp forests in California.
Coastal Oregon and California

Melting glaciers have uncovered five new islands, and animals are populating them
The islands were first noticed by a student engineer who had observed the unidentified land masses in satellite images
Franz Josef Land Archipelago
National Post

The warming climate is making baby sea turtles almost all girls
Around the world, rising temperatures pose a threat to the species.
Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Pushed by young people, AFN declares a climate emergency
The convention's final day saw a lot of attention on climate change, as well as shortcomings in public safety, and remarks by both U.S. senators.

A Western Alaska village, long threatened by erosion and flooding, begins to relocate
Moving Newtok residents to the new village of Mertarvik has been planned for decades. This month, several families moved into new homes.

Newtok Moves First Families Into New Homes In Mertarvik
It was 20 years coming, but it finaly began this weekend: the first residents of Mertarvik moved into their new homes.
Mertarvik, Alaska, United States

The Disappearing Islands
For decades, efforts have been underway to tame the effects of erosion on the Magdalen Islands, an archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. But the effects of climate change left these tiny islands vulnerable when it came to facing two powerful and unpredictable storms in less than a year.
Magdalen Islands

What to do if your pup gets quilled by a porcupine
More porcupine sightings have been reported in Yellowknife this year compared to previous years. What should you do if your furry friend meets a porcupine?

Groups say seismic blasts are hurting belugas in Cook Inlet
Cook Inlet Keeper and the Center for Biological Diversity have sued the Federal Government over issuing permits to Hilcorp .
Tyonek, Alaska, United States
KTVA News

The Gulf Of Maine Is Warming, And Its Whales Are Disappearing
Waters off the coast of Maine are warming faster than 99 percent of the world's oceans. That's forcing whales northward in pursuit of prey, threatening some of their already dwindling populations.
Gulf of Maine
NPR

Crabbing in 2019? Fish & Game Says "A Year to Forget"
According to a recently released recap from the Department of Fish & Game, crabbing in the Norton Sound this year was underwhelming in many ways. At the beginning of 2019, ADF&G set the reg…

Surprise: Alaska has ticks, and more are on the way
Alaska’s warming winters and the broader habitat for ticks in the Lower 48 and Canada may provide a channel for rarer types to get to Alaska and survive there.

Northern reindeer that roamed Taymyr peninsula are at the brink of extinction
Drastic measures are needed to restore wild reindeer populations in all of Taymyr, northern Evenkia and western Yakutia. Poaching, climate change and excessive hunting caused colossal population drop.
Lake Taymyr, Russia
Siberia Times

Temperature patterns and mechanisms influencing coral bleaching during the 2016 El Niño
Under extreme heat stress, corals expel their symbiotic algae and colour (that is, ‘bleaching’), which often leads to widespread mortality. Predicting the large-scale environmental conditions that reinforce or mitigate coral bleaching remains unresolved and limits strategic conservation actions1,2. Here we assessed coral bleaching at 226 sites and 26 environmental variables that represent different mechanisms of stress responses from East Africa to Fiji through a coordinated effort to evaluate the coral response to the 2014–2016 El Niño/Southern Oscillation thermal anomaly. We applied common time-series methods to study the temporal patterning of acute thermal stress and evaluated the effectiveness of conventional and new sea surface temperature metrics and mechanisms in predicting bleaching severity. The best models indicated the importance of peak hot temperatures, the duration of cool temperatures and temperature bimodality, which explained ~50% of the variance, compared to the common degree-heating week temperature index that explained only 9%. Our findings suggest that the threshold concept as a mechanism to explain bleaching alone was not as powerful as the multidimensional interactions of stresses, which include the duration and temporal patterning of hot and cold temperature extremes relative to average local conditions.
Indian Ocean Coral Reefs
Nature Climate Change
McClanahan, Tim R., Emily S. Darling, Joseph M. Maina, Nyawira A. Muthiga, Stéphanie D ’agata, Stacy D. Jupiter, Rohan Arthur, Shaun K. Wilson, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Yashika Nand, Ali M. Ussi, Austin T.

Short-tailed shearwaters die by the thousands in Alaska
"What was unusual was the sheer number of them," Kuletz said. "Including the Bristol Bay area and the Pribilofs, it's up around 6,000 birds down on the beach. That's probably a small fraction of the number affected. This year stands out because of the huge shearwater die-off."
Alaska Media, LLC., Steve Keller designer and application developer

Iqaluit water reservoir is almost full, just in time for winter
An emergency project to pump water from Unnamed Lake started in mid-August, and has been successful. The city's reservoir at Lake Geraldine is projected to be filled ten days ahead of schedule.

Alaska residents to see increased jellyfish sightings
The number of moon jellyfish in Alaska waters has increased. Warm ocean temperatures and plentiful food in the form of zooplankton have contributed to the increased sightings

Homer's first EV station is now open
The Destination Charger was donated by Tesla Corporation and installed by Mark Haller and his crew from Midnight Sun Solar, along with Tyson Belle from Diamond Ridge Electric.
Homer Tribune
Alaska Media, LLC., Steve Keller designer and application developer

As Arctic ice melts, will the Navy return to Adak?
For the first time in more than 30 years, the Navy staged a joint training exercise on the far-western Aleutian island. Some are hoping it portends a permanent future in the region.
Adak, Alaska, United States

California Sinking
For more than a century farmers in California's Central Valley have been pumping water out of the ground — so much so that the land is slowly sinking, a process known as subsidence. In fewer than 100 years, it's dropped 8½ metres.
Corcoran, California, United States

Marine heat wave dubbed ‘Blob’ resurges in Pacific; mass deaths of sea life feared
It already has caused coral bleaching in Hawaii and may be tied to strandings of marine mammals along the California coast.

Scientists suspect retreating sea ice is changing the color of Alaska's tundra
Biologists say early retreating sea ice is potentially causing vegetation productivity changes on the tundra across Alaska and the Arctic. Uma Bot, a climate variability expert with the University of Alaska–Fairbanks, says the land warms up more quickly when sea ice recedes earlier than usual. “‘Cause the tundra is temperature limited and if it has more …

Too many caribou: Nelchina hunt extended 10 days
Caribou hunters in Game Management Unit 13 will have an additional 10 days of hunting this month.
Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska, United States

Napakiak School Fuel Tanks Transported To Bethel Between Fall Storms
The Coast Guard ordered the Lower Kuskokwim School District to empty the tanks to prevent an environmental disaster as the eroding Kuskokwim riverbank advanced towards the fuel site.

Salmon farms losing battle with sea lice as wild fish pay the price
The aquaculture industry has failed to bring epidemic of sea lice under control in B.C.’s Clayoquot Sound.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

NOAA sees dramatic increase of ice seal deaths in Bering and Chukchi seas
Since June 1 2018, NOAA has received reports of 282 dead ice seals in the Bering and Chukchi seas. NOAA said they typically receive reports of about 29 ice seal strandings a year.

Extreme weather has already displaced 7 million people this year
Following Hurricane Dorian, large parts of the Bahamas have been left in a state of ruin, made unlivable to the hundreds of thousands of people who have called the islands their home.
Mic

New viruses discovered in declining B.C. salmon populations
Scientists have made a new discovery they hope will provide more insight into declining salmon populations in our province.
Coastal British Columbia
NEWS 1130

Utqiagvik logs more than 60 days above freezing
From unseasonal rainfall to early flooding and record heat, this summer has seen a lot of strange and concerning weather events across the Northwest Arctic and North Slope. That's not changing as summer comes to an end.
Utqiagvik, Alaska, United States

Crews hail start of fall whaling
Nuiqsut's Napageak crew, captained by Thomas Napageak, landed the very first bowhead of the season on Aug. 29. It was a 29.5 foot whale.

It was the warmest ever Arctic summer
The top of the world saw record-beating average temperatures flashing through all three summer months.

August brought heat to Nunavut's High Arctic
Newspaper of record for Nunavut, and the Nunavik territory of Quebec
Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

Warm August with record-late tropical heat
The monthly temperature for the entire country was 1.7 degrees above normal.
Åndalsnes, Møre og Romsdal, Norway

Fight for survival in Norway's Arctic as climate warms
Climate change is making life difficult for the indigenous people - and wildlife - of the Sami region.
Finnmark, Norway
BBC News, Norway

Anchorage spruce trees are dying. We need to talk about what happens next.
At some point even commercial tree removers will need help with disposal. And what should be planted in their place?

Europe Is Warming Much Faster Than Science Predicted
This summer saw two unbearable heat waves blanket Europe. The second set new records for high temperature when the mercury hit 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit in Southern France. As the climate crisis worsens, Europe can expect extreme heat more frequently and with increased intensity, the researchers said in a press release put out by the American Geophysical Union.
Europe
Ecowatch

Canada's Pollution Problem Is So Bad That It's Currently Raining Plastic
Microplastics from the breakdown of plastics and from microbeads used in toothpaste and exfoliants, are so small, they are able to travel in the atmosphere.

Wildfire smoke drifts back into Anchorage area
The intensity of the smoke this week will be “hit or miss” depending on winds and fire behavior.

More batty visitors in the N.W.T? Northerners on social media think so
Out of the eight species of bats in the Northwest Territories, residents are most likely to see the little brown bats.

This summer is on track to be the driest on record for Southcentral Alaska
The region has seen less than an inch of rainfall since June 1 and no measurable rain at all during August, putting it on track to beat a 50-year record.

Land Rising Due to Melting Glaciers
The land around Höfn in Hornafjörður is rising rapidly due to the melting of the glaciers in the surrounding area. There, the land is rising one centimetre per year,
Höfn, East, Iceland

'They're flat broke': Salmon fishermen demand disaster relief for failed season
With some of this year's salmon runs projected to be the lowest on record, West Coast salmon fishermen are demanding disaster relief from the federal and provincial governments.
Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

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