News

- Details
An interesting study published in An interesting study published in Nature Communications in January 2025—titled “Pervasive glacier retreats across Svalbard from 1985 to 2023” (authors: Tian Li, Stefan Hofer, Geir Moholdt, Adam Igneczi, Konrad Heidler, Xiao Xiang Zhu Jonathan Bamber), has revealed the most detailed picture to date of glacier loss in the Arctic archipelago. Using artificial intelligence to analyze nearly four decades of satellite data, researchers found that over 91% of Svalbard’s marine-terminating glaciers have retreated since 1985. The findings highlight not only the severity of climate-driven changes in the region but also the expanding role of AI in monitoring Earth’s rapidly transforming environments.

- Details
From 1 May 2025, Professor Dr. Maarten Boersma will take over as Acting Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). He steps into the role following the departure of Professor Dr. Antje Boetius, who has been appointed President of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in California.From 1 May 2025, Professor Dr. Maarten Boersma will take over as Acting Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). He steps into the role following the departure of Professor Dr. Antje Boetius, who has been appointed President of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in California.

- Details
The Icelandic Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries has issued new five-year hunting permits for fin and minke whales, following advice from the Marine The Icelandic Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries has issued new five-year hunting permits for fin and minke whales, following advice from the Marine Freshwater Research Institute. The permits allow for an annual catch of up to 161 fin whales and 217 minke whales through 2029, under strict quotas designed to ensure sustainable harvesting based on the precautionary approach to resource management.

- Details
The peer-reviewed, open-access journal Advances in Polar Science (APS) has released its latest issue—Volume 36, Issue 1—published in March 2025. This edition features eight research articles covering a range of topics relevant to polar science. Below, you will find the titles and key highlights from each paper. For full access to the articles and additional information, visit theAPS website.

- Details
A call for contributions has been announced for the upcoming edited volume A call for contributions has been announced for the upcoming edited volume The Arctic's New Geopolitics: BRICS+ Policies and Investments, under the editorial guidance ofDr. Alexandra Middleton and Dr. Monojit Das.

- Details
Ellesmere Island, one of the northernmost landmasses on Earth, is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Known for its remote and extreme environment, the island has been significant in Indigenous history, scientific research, and Arctic exploration.Ellesmere Island, one of the northernmost landmasses on Earth, is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Known for its remote and extreme environment, the island has been significant in Indigenous history, scientific research, and Arctic exploration.

- Details
On 11 April, the Kingdom of Demark will present their upcoming Arctic Council Chairship program during an event in Nuuk, Greenland.On 11 April, the Kingdom of Demark will present their upcoming Arctic Council Chairship program during an event in Nuuk, Greenland.
The event starts at 14:00 local time / 15:00 UTC / 17:00 CEST - Livestream!
- Details
As Alaskans look toward a more resilient and sustainable future, lessons from Iceland’s energy and economic landscape offer valuable insights.As Alaskans look toward a more resilient and sustainable future, lessons from Iceland’s energy and economic landscape offer valuable insights.
The upcoming Pre-Conference Virtual Workshop Series 2025 continues with Workshop 2: Building Alaska’s Future: Insights from Iceland, scheduled for April 8-9 from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM AKT / 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET on Zoom.
Registration is free - Register now!

- Details
Eruption just started on the morning of 1st April 2025 in close proximity of the town Grindavík, Iceland. Unfortunately part of the eruption is happening inside of the defensive fortifications that were made in the last two years to secure the town from further damage.

- Details
In September 2024, the German government released its updated Arctic Policy Guidelines, titled In September 2024, the German government released its updated Arctic Policy Guidelines, titled “Germany and the Arctic in the Context of the Climate Crisis and the Zeitenwende.”cument marks a significant shift in Germany’s approach to Arctic affairs, reflecting both the escalating climate crisis and the region’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
- Details
There is still time to There is still time to submit nominations for the 2025 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award– the call closes on April 30. Please share this opportunity with your colleagues, networks, anyone you think might be interested!

- Details
The International Forum The International Forum Arctic Territory of Dialogue was held in Murmansk, Russia, on March 26 and 27 with the theme - To live in the North!
- Details
Morten Høglund, Norway’s Arctic Ambassador and Chair of the Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials, is the recipient of the prestigious High North Hero Award 2025.
- Details
The The Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) has released its latest report, "Bering Strait and Transits," providing an in-depth analysis of maritime traffic in the Bering Strait during 2024. As Arctic sea routes continue to draw global interest due to climate change and shifting economic opportunities, this report offers valuable insights into vessel movements, trends, and the impact of environmental conditions on shipping in the region.
Arctic Portal.org - 2025 © All rights reserved.
When quoting, reusing or copying any material on the arcticportal.org or any of its sub-sites including but not limiting to: information, news, articles, data, maps or images, in part or in full, a citation stating the origin and a hyperlink to www.arcticportal.org is required.

