Surprising Perceptions of Climate in the Canadian Arctic A significant proportion of surveyed Canadian Arctic residents believe climate change was either caused by natural changes or that the scientific evidence was not sufficient.
Greenland to Cooperate With Japanese Peace Foundation – Aims to Become an Arctic Hub for Peace "It has never been more important to strengthen efforts for peace," says Greenland's Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt. She recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japanese Sasakawa Peace Foundation. The agreement will initiate joint work on peace research in the Arctic.
Artifical Kelp Forests Have Major Impact Artificial kelp forests were covered with real kelp just four months after researchers placed them in the Melkøy Sound in Northern Norway. The researchers also observed great amounts of cod and pollock fry around the units.
Whispers in the Wind: Aerosols as the Arctic’s Urgent, Unseen Ally Op-ed: Aerosols are reshaping the Arctic in ways that greenhouse gases alone cannot explain. A dedicated management program could turn this hidden climate driver into a lever for immediate action, writes Hassan Alzain.
The Norwegian State Budget: Major Investments in Svalbard The Norwegian government proposes major investments in Svalbard in its budget proposal for 2026. The investments aim to promote settlement for families in the High North, strengthen research leadership and national control in Svalbard, and contribute to the cleanup of mining activities. "We are strengthening national control on Svalbard," says Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.
Politicians Plant Disdain For Science in Their Voters Comment (Reykjavik): What happens when political leaders plant disdain for research and science in their voters? Well, that does not remain to be seen. We are already heading there, guided by a country that once was an international beacon of research.
Believes the Arctic Council Will Survive Oslo (High North News): The cooperation with Russia in the Arctic Council works, reports leaders in the council's working groups. Various voices are also optimistic in regard to the council's survival. "The council’s continued existence will be in everyone’s interest", says Norwegian top diplomat Morten Høglund.
Managing Cruise Volume at Nordic Cruise Destinations Op-ed: Cruise destinations take a more active role in managing growing cruise tourism, four researchers write in this op-ed.
Trump Administration’s Securitization of Arctic Affairs and Its Implications for U.S. Federally Funded Research The Trump Administration is in the process of securitizing Arctic affairs. "That will almost certainly have a significant impact on the future of U.S. federally funded research related to the Arctic", says Michael Walsh, researcher atthe University of the Witwatersrand.
Arctic Ocean Expedition 2025 Has Reached the North Pole On Tuesday, the Arctic Ocean Expedition 2025 reached the North Pole. The UiT-led expedition is to provide new knowledge about the Arctic's climate history with the help of the research vesselKronprins Haakon.
Knowledge Needs for Navigating the Central Arctic Ocean Op-ed: The Central Arctic Ocean is becoming more accessible for shipping. The ability to navigate at the top of the globe presents new opportunities, risks, and uncertainties. We need more transdisciplinary research to develop proactive responses to shipping growth, writes Julia Olsen, Associate Professor at Nord University.
Statsraad Lehmkuhl Had to Cancel Northwest Passage Voyage The Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl will not carry out the planned voyage through the Northwest Passage due to demanding ice conditions. "We never compromise on safety, particularly in Arctic waters," says the expedition leader.
Statsraad Lehmkuhl Has Set Course for the Northwest Passage On Tuesday night, the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl set sail from Nuuk, Greenland, embarking on a historical education and research voyage through the Northwest Passage. Aboard are students and researchers from across the world.
Researcher Anka Ryall Highlights Female Voices in the Norwegian Polar History Anka Ryall's research career has been marked by a series of coincidences, but women's travel literature has remained a recurring theme throughout. In the bookPolar Women, she sheds light on the women in what is usually a very masculine representation of the Norwegian polar history.
Arctic Security Researcher Troy Bouffard Strives for Real-World Relevance in His Work Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): Dr. Troy Bouffard, Assistant Professor of Arctic Security at the University of Alaska, strives to make his research meaningful and relevant to the real world. "If I wanted my research to matter, I had to find out how Arctic security was connected to national security," he says to HNN.
The Geopolitical Development in the Arctic Reflects the World Order, Says Researcher UiT Researcher Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen rejects the idea of 'Arctic exceptionalism' and believes the Arctic mirrors the global power struggle between the East and the West. He believes this Arctic divide will likely only escalate. The US with Trump in the forefront will also impact this relationship, but the country will still have major security policy interests in the region, he says to HNN.
The US Steps Back From Arctic Science, Paves Way for China Six weeks into Donald Trump’s presidential term has seen major cuts and mass firings across the board. The US Arctic research community is now facing imminent cutbacks at a dire expense for the entire region. The void left by the US may be filled by other non-Arctic actors looking for a way in, such as China.
Need for a Canadian-European Security Consensus, Says Researcher Trump's comments about acquiring Canada and Greenland reinforce the importance of developing Canadian-European collaboration regarding the Arctic, says research fellow Gabriella Gricius at the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network.
New Research Shows Svalbard Glacier Has Survived Warmer Past Glaciers are withdrawing across the globe. Since 2000, glaciers have lost between 2 and 39% of their ice regionally and about 5% globally. By using warmer periods in the past as a reference, new research shows that some glaciers could survive warmer conditions given the right settings.
New Survey Unveils the Paradox of the Canadian North Autonomy for the Canadian North does not necessarily mean recognition of Indigenous self-determination, according to public opinion. In addition, Canadians are not prepared to give carte blanche to exploiting natural resources to support the autonomy and development of the northern territories, shows a recent survey.
“Before You Can Act, You Must Feel” Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): In an Arctic landscape increasingly characterized by geopolitics, security, and climate, literature can be the key to expanding the room for action and engaging more people, believes literature researcher Henning Howlid Wærp at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. "Before you can act, you must feel," the researcher tells HNN.
Art-based research can help us value nature in new ways Op-ed: Art-based research is a creative way of doing community science where you play with different artistic methods as a tool for exploring, collecting and visualizing data. It can contribute as an innovative approach and a holistic understanding to today's socio-ecological challenges.
"Norway is a Superpower in the Arctic" Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): The new Norwegian research initiative Arctic Ocean 2050 will ensure that Norway continues to be world-leading in polar research. "The main objective is that we as a nation have the knowledge we need to manage a new ocean," says Jørgen Berge, Dean and Professor at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway.
When the Snowy Owl Rescued the Reindeer Although Norway boasts of many laws that secure participation and protection of Sami rights, the practical implementation falls short of expectations. This leaves doubts in the hearts of the Sami community, who are worried about the erosion of trust, and the Norwegian government must do what it can to change the situation, writes PhD Research Fellow Larry Ibrahim Mohammed.
'Walrus Detectives' Help Map Out the Atlantic Walrus Since 2021, WWF and the British Antarctic Survey have engaged so-called 'Walrus Detectives'. Through the research project Walrus From Space, the public can help provide scientists with vital data on walrus populations. Over 37,000 detectives have contributed so far.
Closing the Gap Between Europe and North America: The Defense Year 2024 In a review of the Arctic 2024, researchers shed light on the most substantial developments in the Arctic in the year that passed. The past 12 months have reconfirmed the importance of the Arctic as a site of deep military significance, says researcher Thomas Hughes, highlighting how Europe and North America have attempted to close the North Atlantic gap in the changed geopolitical situation.
Charting a Greener Course: The Northeast Passage and Shipping’s Future Op-ed: Global shipping faces unprecedented challenges as reliance on established trade routes like the Suez Canal exposes vulnerabilities in current trade networks. From the infamous Ever Given blockage to the increasing political risks in the Middle East, the need for exploring alternative routes is urgent, writes researchers from Nord University in this op-ed on the Northeast passage.
Pharmaceuticals Pollute Arctic Marine Ecosystems Scientists have found significant evidence of the presence and accumulation of pharmaceutical pollution in Arctic marine ecosystems. A new study shows that pharmaceutical pollution constitutes a substantial threat to Arctic marine species and that the concentration and possible consequences of pharmaceuticals in the Arctic Ocean have not been researched enough.
Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier: “Directly Impacts Norwegian Security” Researchers at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) have researched how climate change can function as a threat multiplier for security in the Arctic. They emphasize that uncertainty is the biggest security threat and that they cannot observe any major changes in the security situation in the north so far.
Tree Planting Is No Climate Solution in the Arctic Planting trees is a simple and efficient way to mitigate climate change. However, new research shows that planting trees in the Arctic could have the opposite effect and, in fact, increase global warming.
Focus on Arctic Challenges at COP29 The UN's climate conference 2024, better known as COP29, is now taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Arctic is yet again on the agenda, this time focusing on the cryosphere and wildfires, particularly from an Indigenous perspective.
Russia’s Company in Svalbard: Strengthens Cooperation With Russian University Sector Trust Arktikugol, Russia's company in Svalbard, has now entered into a partnership with a fourth Russian university for research and education cooperation. The company is likely to receive over USD 40 million in government funding in the next few years.
Beate Has Researched the Arctic Conferences: “They Gather an Arctic Elite” Researcher Beate Steinveg at Nord University in Northern Norway has written her doctorate on the major Arctic conferences and their function in politics and research. "The conferences gather the same people, a kind of Arctic elite," she says.
Arctic Communities Have Solutions to Share Op-ed: Recently, I stood before an international audience at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik. In just 90 seconds, I had the chance to share a message I deeply believe in:Arctic communities aren't just facing challenges – they also have solutions to share.
"The Entire Northern Hemisphere Can Be Controlled From the Space Above the Arctic" Reykjavik, Iceland (High North News): Technology and science must adapt to the geopolitical shifts in the far north, and space is becoming an increasingly significant arena. "The entire Northern Hemisphere can be controlled from the space above the Arctic," says Tim Reilly from the University of Cambridge, emphasizing that the race between the US and China revolves around technology ownership.
“Scientists Are Natural Diplomats” Reykjavik (High North News): At this year's Arctic Circle Assembly, science diplomacy is one of the buzzwords that resonates throughout sessions, debates, and lectures. "Scientists are natural diplomats, as they care deeply about science and not so much about politics," says Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey.
Evidence-Based Policymaking in Pessimistic Times: Germany’s New Arctic Guidelines Op-ed: Germany introduces its new Arctic policy at the Arctic Circle Assembly. To tackle the crisis of slow-moving political action and fulfil the policy’s promise of strengthening research cooperation, more science diplomacy beyond the STEM-disciplines is needed, writes the researchers Charlotte Gehrke and Dorothea Wehrmann in this op-ed.
Natural Variability Boosts Arctic Warming, Says Researchers When it comes to the Arctic and climate change, it is well known that the region is warming nearly four times faster than the global average. This is a development seen over the past four decades, but recent research now shows that this is not a permanent ratio and that it is likely due to a temporary anomaly.
"The Cooperation Between Russia and China in the Arctic Is Still Limited" Researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies believe the cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic is still limited despite significant focus and increased attention. "The Arctic is not a priority for China, while Russia fears Chinese influence in this strategically important region," writes Ingvill Moe Elgsaas and Rebekka Åsnes Sagild.
New Research Says Arctic Ocean Will Be Unrecognizable by 2100 New research shows that the Arctic Ocean will drastically change in the following decades and be unrecognizable by 2100.
Major Step for Arctic Ocean Research Researchers at the Norwegian Polar Institute have recently succeeded in obtaining data from the Amundsen basin throughout all seasons for two consecutive years. "This data set is unique," says the leader of the Polar Voyage 2024, Paul Dodd.
Arctic Whales Impacted by Continued Increase in Maritime Traffic Marine vessel traffic in the Arctic is increasing and often overlaps with Arctic whale ranges, say researchers. Due to Arctic industrialization and ice-free waters, narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales are increasingly being exposed to impactful activities.
Researcher: "New Svalbard White Paper Affirms Norwegian Jurisdiction on Svalbard" In the new Svalbard white paper, the Norwegian government wants to facilitate international research on the archipelago while simultaneously clarifying Norwegian research leadership. Svalbard researcher Arild Moe says the white paper affirms Norwegian jurisdiction on Svalbard.
Tourists Visit the Arctic on Science Cruises: A Risk of Greenwashing Arctic Tourism? To diversify tourist experiences in the Arctic, many operators now offer science cruises where tourists can participate in polar expeditions. However, this emerging trend offers some challenges regarding sustainable tourism and the protection of vulnerable environments. Researcher Elina Hutton says that nearly all cruise tourism operators selling citizen science activities are greenwashing.
Whaling Debate Highlights Need for Industry Supervision Svolvær (High North News): Whaling has long been a disputed topic, with whalers on one side and animal rights activists on the other. During a debate in Northern Norway, both sides agreed that the whaling industry must be regulated and controlled to benefit both the animals and the industry.
Svalbard Researcher: “Longyearbyen Is Meant to Be the Prime Example of Renewable Solutions in the Arctic” Great uncertainty surrounds the energy supply on Svalbard and the scheduled transition to renewable energy for the Arctic archipelago. Researcher Tiril Vold believes the process has been affected by a contest over symbolic capital and prestige.
Russia's Activity in the North Has Changed: "Fewer Civilian Disturbances" The Russian activity pattern in the North has changed since February 24th, 2022, believes a Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.
“No Difference Between the North and the South in Regard to Attitudes Towards Russia,” Says Researchers Kirkenes: New research findings debunk the notion that Northern Norwegians have other attitudes towards Russia than people in the south of Norway – and that they would thus be more naive when dealing with the neighboring country in the northeast.
The High North Tour 2021: Here, Norwegian and Russian Scientists Were in the Same Boat – Until the Pandemic Broke Out Svanhovd, Pasvik: Anne Wikan was born and raised in Pasvik, on the Norwegian border to Russia and Finland. Today, she is station chief at Svanhovd research station, which has close collaboration also with colleagues on the Russian side of the border.
New Russian Restrictions on International Educational Cooperation New Russian restrictions put limitations on exchange programs, conducting joint research with foreigners, conferences and scientific congresses, and the exchange of scientific literature.
