With a focus on climate change, the U.S. has assumed the chairmanship of the Arctic Council following Canada’s two-year stint at the helm of the organization. The Alaska Dispatch News reports that Sec. of State John Kerry presented an agenda focused on addressing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the Arctic Ocean. Linking climate change with severe […]
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One of Russia’s largest defense manufacturing firms is exploring how to modify its SA-22 Greyhound anti-aircraft missile system to better operate in harsh Arctic conditions according to the International Business Times. The $14 million rocket, canon and radar system is the centerpiece of the Russian Federation’s stationary and mobile anti-aircraft defense capability. The system is also […]
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The U.S. Arctic Research Commission recently released the winners of their “Observing the Arctic” photo contest. The winning images will be be included in USARC’s publication “Report of the Goals and Objectives for Arctic Research 2015–2016.” View the winning photos here.
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Recent actions in the Arctic have some asking whether a tougher line with Russia should be a priority as the U.S. prepares to assume a 2-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council. A report by Alaska Public Radio Network discusses comments by an Arctic expert and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) at a recent forum sponsored by […]
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An upcoming addition to the U.S. Arctic vessel fleet will provide scientists with a new opportunity to conduct scientific research in the Arctic. ScienceInsider reports that the RV Sikuliaq recently completed a 23-day journey to successfully test the $200 million vessel’s capacity to operate in icy Arctic waters. The vessel is expected to begin research operations […]
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Finland’s national chamber of commerce, EK, recently issued a report addressing the need for the country to take advantage of significant potential Arctic-related investor opportunities. The Arctic Journal writes that the report contains ten recommendations for developing a coherent economic policy for the Arctic. The Arctic is big business. In the Barents region alone, potential investments could […]
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Russia recently announced plans to create a permanent military presence in the Arctic. Plans are being drawn up for a training center, as well as a permanent presence for Air Force and air defense units. The announcement of the buildup is the latest Russian foray into an ongoing campaign to militarize the Arctic amid the […]
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A report released today by the National Petroleum Council, an advisory committee to the Department of Energy, calls for a push in Arctic drilling in order to move America closer toward energy stability. While shale reserves have drastically transformed America’s energy outlook, the report, entitled “Arctic Potential: Realizing the Promise of U.S. Oil and Gas […]
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Norway has made strides in Arctic development, channeling resources into encouraging industry and resource extraction in the “High North,” according to Cryopolitics: “…the government in Oslo seems determined to make the North an example for the planet. Anne Kari Ovind, Deputy Director General and Head of Department for Security Policy and the High North within […]
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China is making progress on a satellite data receiving station in Sweden a move that will dramatically increase the country’s ability to gather data about the Arctic, according to CRJEnglish.com: Experts say the station will enable China to obtain satellite remote sensing data for research on China’s environmental conditions, resource distribution, and global climate change. Qin […]
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