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Mike Dunleavy (R) new USARC commissioner
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) has nominated Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) as the new Commissioner of the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC).
The Commission is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress on U.S. research activities in the Arctic.
"The Commission is pleased to welcome Governor Dunleavy," said Thomas E. Dans, Director of USARC, in a press release.
He added that Alaska plays a central role in the nation's Arctic research efforts.
"The Governor's perspective and experience will contribute to the Commission's work to advise the President and Congress on Arctic research priorities and promote collaboration between the federal government, the State of Alaska, and Arctic communities."
At the same time, USARC thanks outgoing Commissioner Deborah Vo for her work in advancing Arctic research priorities and engaging with Arctic communities.
Canada and Norway strengthen cooperation
Enhanced Canadian-Norwegian cooperation is being rolled out in new areas following Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney's (Liberal) visit to Norway in mid-March.
Now the countries are aiming for increased cooperation in the field of research, not least when it comes to Arctic research.
This is stated in a new joint statement, launched in connection with the visit of the Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland (Labour) to Canada this week.
"We live in turbulent times and Canada is among our most important allies. Quantum technology, AI and Arctic research are crucial for both security and competitiveness, and are areas where we want even closer cooperation with Canada", says Aasland.
Arctic sea ice nears record low
This year's sea ice maximum is set to be the second lowest since satellite measurements began, only to be turned off in 2025, reports the Bjerknes Center for Climate Research.
Since 1979, satellites have been monitoring sea ice in the Arctic and measuring how extensive the ice has been at its greatest extent. In their first year, the measurements showed an extent of over 16.5 million square kilometers of sea ice, from the first measurement until this year the ice has been reduced by a full 1.5 million square kilometers.
Only 2018 and 2025 have had similar low values at this time of year.