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The proposed Alaska LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)The proposed Alaska LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project, a monumental energy infrastructure initiative, is drawing increased global attention as South Korea expresses interest in joining the United States and Japan in this high-stakes endeavor. The project aims to tap into the vast natural gas resources in Alaska’s North Slope, creating an 800-mile pipeline that will transport gas to an LNG export terminal, with the primary goal of boosting energy exports to Asia. With the project estimated at a hefty $44 billion, its completion promises to reshape trade relations, diversify energy sources, and strengthen economic ties between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
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Arctic sea ice extent in February 2025 remained at record-low levels, continuing a trend of declining winter ice coverage. According to data from the Arctic sea ice extent in February 2025 remained at record-low levels, continuing a trend of declining winter ice coverage. According to data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the average sea ice extent for the month was 13.75 million square kilometers (5.31 million square miles)—the lowest February extent recorded in the 46-year satellite record. This marks a decrease of 220,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) compared to the previous record low set in 2018.
The map clearly shows the changes in Sea Ice coverage in February 2025 compared to February 2024!
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The Polar Regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth, harboring a diverse array of micro- and macro-organisms. These inhabitants showcase remarkable taxonomic and genetic originality, presenting unparalleled opportunities for bioprospecting, alongside demonstrating extraordinary adaptation mechanisms for survival. Furthermore, polar organisms play crucial roles in facilitating organic matter decomposition, carbon fixation and sequestration, and biogeochemical cycling. Moreover, these organisms serve as pivotal indicators of global climate shifts. Therefore, exploring the polar organisms and the ecosystem holds profound and significant implications for gaining deeper insights into scientific frontiers such as global biodiversity, elementary cycling, climate change, resource utilization, and the awe of life in extreme environments.
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The Arctic sea-ice extent reaches its annual minimum in September, serving as a crucial indicator of climate change. The September Arctic sea-ice is now shrinking at a rate of 12.2% per decade compared to its average extent during the period from 1981 to 2010(NASA).
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The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic was one of the deadliest outbreaks in human history, infecting an estimated one-third of the global population and causing the deaths of at least 50 million people. Unlike typical influenza strains, which predominantly affect the very young and the elderly, the 1918 virus disproportionately struck healthy young adults. The virus caused severe pneumonia-like symptoms, often leading to rapid respiratory failure. Scientists believe this high mortality rate was due to an overreaction of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm, which caused excessive inflammation and damage to the lungs. The pandemic spread rapidly due to the movement of soldiers during World War I, reaching even the most remote corners of the world—including the Arctic.
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The 10th China-Nordic Arctic Research Cooperation Symposium will be held on April 23 – 24, 2025 in Shanghai, China. This year's event is convent by Tongji University under the theme: China-Nordic Synergy towards Sustainability in the Arctic.
The China-Nordic Arctic Research Center (CNARC) is an international consortium initiated by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) in collaboration with respective institutes in the Nordic countries and China to promote and facilitate China-Nordic cooperation for Arctic research.
CNARC provides a platform for academic cooperation with the following aims:
To increase awareness, understanding and knowledge of the Arctic and its global impacts.
To promote cooperation for sustainable development of the Nordic Arctic and coherent development of China in the global context.
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The Icelandic Minister of the Environment, Energy, and Climate, Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, has announced the reindeer hunting quotas and permit prices for 2025. Following recommendations from the Icelandic Nature Conservation Institute, a total of 665 reindeer will be allowed to be hunted during the 2025 season—265 cows and 400 bulls.
This marks a significant reduction of 135 animals compared to 2024, reflecting a continued decline in the reindeer population.
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The 17thInternational Green Energy Conference the 6th International Conference on Energy and AI the Arctic Energy Forum will be held in the Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland, from the 12-14 October with the optional educational tour on the 15th October. www.igec25.is
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The Polar Impact Mentorship Initiative invites members of the polar research community to a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring what makes collaborations "successful."
The event, scheduled for February 28 from 10-11 a.m. EST | 3-4 p.m. GMT, will bring together experts from various disciplines to discuss the benefits of interdisciplinary research, engagement with policy and decision-makers, and collaboration with Indigenous and local communities.
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Arctic Portal is pleased to announce the latest addition to our online resources—an expanded collection of Arctic maps that provide valuable insights into the region’s geography, sea ice extent, and varying definitions of the Arctic.
These new maps enhance our ability to visualize and understand the dynamic changes occurring in the Arctic.
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UArctic and the Arctic Circle welcome nominations forUArctic and the Arctic Circle welcome nominations forthe 2025 Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Awarduntil April 30, 2025.The Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award serves to promote and raise awareness of promising projects which address climate change through concrete actions and plans.
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Parliamentary elections have been called in Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, with voters set to head to the polls on March 11. The election comes at a critical time for the country, as Prime Minister Mute B. Egede seeks re-election, citing "unprecedented times" for Greenland’s political and economic future.