ARCTIC REGION
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
What is the polar vortex and how could its early disruption impact the US this winter?
A disruption of the polar vortex is occurring earlier than usual this year, leading to potential changes in winter weather. Meteorologists indicate that unusually warm air in Canada is preventing significant cold outbreaks from occurring in the United States. The current pattern may allow cooler temperatures to move south later in November and December.
Christmas 2026 snow forecast: White Christmas predictions for New York, Washington, 14 other states, says Old Farmer's Almanac. Details here
El Niño is likely to shift weather patterns to bring more moisture, but with it higher temperatures. That should help erase persistent Western drought, but it won't likely make Northern snow-lovers happy, according to reports.
Greenland approves security deal with Denmark and US following months of Trump's pressure
Greenlandic lawmakers voted 16-0 to approve a security agreement with Denmark and the United States. This deal aims to strengthen military presence in the Arctic while keeping Greenland under Danish control. Although some residents express concerns about its implications for Greenlanders, they hope to curb American threats. The agreement will take effect after Danish parliamentary processes are completed later this month.
What is NATO’s Article 5, the clause that could pull 32 countries into one war?
An attack on one NATO member could bring 31 other countries into its defence. That is the central promise of Article 5, the collective defence clause of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The provision has become increasingly important as tensions between Russia and Western countries grow.
Goodbye to sunrise for 4 months: Scientists are living on Arctic ice to discover what lives beneath it; you won't believe what they saw
A team of twelve ambitious researchers is embarking on a remarkable four-month journey into the depths of the Arctic, devoid of sunlight. Their mission focuses on studying resilient marine organisms that thrive in perpetual darkness and freezing temperatures. The Tara Polar Station, drifting alongside sea ice, provides them with a unique vantage point to explore the frigid ocean ecosystem.
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400,000 heat deaths vs an Arctic freeze: Something bizarre is happening with London's winter weather this year
A powerful El Niño is projected to increase extreme heat globally, potentially causing over 400,000 excess heat-related deaths. While regions may face differing weather patterns, London could experience prolonged cold spells if the polar vortex is disrupted. The polar vortex influences atmospheric circulation and may affect winter conditions across Europe. However, predictions regarding London's winter are uncertain and depend on several atmospheric factors.
Russia ships the least crude oil in a month as major Baltic port halts
Russian crude shipments have dropped to a month low due to maintenance work disrupting operations at the Primorsk port. Despite a reduction in Ukrainian attacks on refineries, oil production facilities are still under threat. Notably, shipments to Asia, including significant customers like China and India, are declining, mirrored by a substantial fall in export values, signaling a downturn in demand.
Donald Trump has ambitious oil drilling plans for Greenland: Why extraction could be delayed for decades
Donald Trump has announced intentions for large-scale oil and mineral exploration in Greenland, emphasizing its potential resources. The announcement also highlighted Greenland's strategic significance to the United States and Europe. However, there are numerous challenges regarding infrastructure, financing, and regulatory approval that could hinder development. The complex nature of mining operations and environmental considerations also complicate potential projects.
Antarctic sea ice hits alarming low in 2026: Scientists raise concerns over growing decline
In 2026, Antarctic sea ice extent hit its lowest annual maximum, highlighting alarming trends associated with climate change. Satellite data show a persistent decline, raising questions about the broader implications of these changes. Over the decades, fluctuations in ice coverage have been noted, with advanced technology employing passive microwave sensors for precise detection of sea ice versus open water.
Russia’s 19,000 ton floating nuclear plant reactors completed; tugboats to now haul it to power copper mine across the Bering Strait
In a groundbreaking initiative, Russia is developing four floating nuclear power plants to deliver energy to a copper mining operation located in Chukotka. With no established power grid in the vicinity, each plant will harness RITM-200 reactors to generate 106 megawatts. This project focuses on ensuring a stable energy supply, even amid harsh winter conditions, by strategically mooring the plant to cope with tidal movements and severe weather.
India, Norway discuss green partnership, EFTA trade ties, Arctic cooperation
Sibi George of the Ministry of External Affairs met Norway's State Secretary Astrid Bergmal in New Delhi for discussions. They addressed enhancing the India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership and boosting trade ties under the India-EFTA framework. The conversation also touched on cooperation in fisheries and Arctic affairs, in addition to regional and global issues. Furthermore, George met Austria's National Security Advisor Dr. Peter Vorhofer to strengthen India-Austria cooperation in security matters.
How Trump's diplomatic week exposed the limits of his power
US President Donald Trump sought to project diplomatic strength through his UN address and summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but the week produced limited breakthroughs. The Iran war, strained ties with allies, Ukraine and the US-China relationship continue to challenge his foreign policy agenda, according to Reuters and analysts.
Europe’s dangerous dependence puts it on Xi and Trump’s menu
Mark Carney's warning emphasizes the need for middle powers like the European Union to assert themselves. Europe faces significant challenges in technology dependence and military capabilities compared to the US and China. Supply-chain resilience and trade imbalances require urgent action for the EU to enhance its bargaining power. Collaboration with Canada and Ukraine presents opportunities for a stronger geopolitical stance.
What's inside the US-Greenland-Denmark security deal?
The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a security agreement to strengthen military presence in Greenland. This agreement allows the US to establish new military bases and expand existing ones. Additionally, it emphasizes the right of Greenland to self-determination and respects its societal norms. The arrangement aims to enhance NATO's presence in the Arctic region, while protecting Greenland's critical sectors from outside investors.
India, Greenland discuss possible areas of stronger cooperation
India's Ambassador to Denmark Manish Prabhat and Greenland's Speaker of Parliament Kim Marius Kielsen explored potential cooperation in various fields. They discussed investment in mining and skilled manpower supply for tourism and healthcare sectors. Additionally, Ambassador Prabhat engaged in talks on polar scientific investigations with a Greenlandic official. Activities included Yoga sessions and discussions on Ayurveda to promote cultural cooperation. The initiative aims to strengthen India-Greenland ties while benefiting both regions.
Science says reindeer eyes turn blue in winter, and the strange transformation may help them see a world humans can't
The shift in eye color does not happen because reindeer suddenly produce blue pigment. Instead, scientists have traced it to a phenomenon known as structural coloration, in which microscopic structures alter the way light is reflected.
In 1992, a container ship lost 28,800 unsinkable plastic bath toys in the North Pacific, helping oceanographer find oceans' invisible highways from Alaska to Scotland
In 1992, a cargo ship lost 28,800 plastic bath toys in the North Pacific. Their unexpected journey across the ocean gave researchers valuable data on currents, helping them understand how floating debris moves across vast distances. Some toys reached Alaska, while others may have travelled through the Arctic toward the Atlantic and Europe.
US watches Chinese research ships near Alaska, Arctic
The US Coast Guard is closely monitoring Chinese research vessels operating near Alaska and across the Arctic, citing potential security implications. Four Chinese vessels have been observed in the US Arctic in 2026, with officials raising concerns over seabed research and the potential dual-use of scientific data.
31,800 years ago, a squirrel buried fruits inside a Siberian burrow. Thousands of years later, an Ice Age plant was brought back to life using that ancient tissue
A squirrel’s ancient food stash buried deep beneath Siberian permafrost has given scientists a rare glimpse into the Ice Age. The fruits remained frozen for around 31,800 years before researchers discovered a way to use preserved tissue from them to grow living plants, revealing how long some biological material can survive under extreme conditions.
Greenland, Denmark say US deal will not cede sovereignty
Denmark and Greenland stated sovereignty remains intact with a new US military deal. This agreement allows the United States to develop a significant military presence there. It also prohibits adversaries from building their own bases on the island. Both nations expressed hope for a binding agreement to end uncertainty. The deal aims to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
In 1845, two British ships entered the Arctic with 129 men searching for the Northwest Passage; both vessels and every member of the expedition disappeared
The collaboration between Inuit wisdom and Western scientific approaches facilitated the remarkable finding of two elusive ships from the Franklin Expedition. This ill-fated journey, led by Sir John Franklin with 129 crew members, sought the Northwest Passage in the Arctic. After an extensive search, the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were discovered, underscoring the invaluable insights provided by Inuit oral traditions in unraveling historical enigmas.
Deeper than the Mariana Trench, near its border with Norway, the Soviet Union spent 20 years drilling 7.6 miles into Earth; in 1992, the deepest borehole on Earth was abandoned in a region industrialization had turned into one of the most ‘poisoned spots on Earth’
The Kola Superdeep Borehole, a groundbreaking feat by Soviet engineers, extends over twelve kilometers into the Earth. This ambitious endeavor aimed to explore the Earth's crust and its connection to the mantle. However, the unexpectedly high temperatures led to flowing rock, which complicated the drilling process and transformed geological theories.
Russians begin voting in controlled election as war drags
Russia began voting Friday in a three-day parliamentary election, the first since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The 450-seat State Duma vote is being closely watched by the Kremlin for signs of public support and war fatigue, amid tight political controls and limited anti-war opposition.
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio started an environmental foundation at 24; it later backed more than 200 projects across 50 countries
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio started an environmental foundation at 24; it later backed more than 200 projects across 50 countries. The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation focused on climate change, wildlife, oceans, forests, indigenous rights and conservation. It awarded more than $80 million in grants and supported projects in 50 countries. DiCaprio also used films such as The 11th Hour and Before the Flood to reach audiences worldwide.
Trump wanted Canada closer to America; Ottawa is now flirting with the EU instead
Donald Trump’s tariffs and “51st state” rhetoric have coincided with Canada accelerating efforts to diversify away from its heavy dependence on the US. The EU’s proposed “associate member” status could deepen cooperation in trade, defence, energy and technology, but Canada’s nearly $900-billion trade relationship with the US means any economic reorientation would take years.
What is 'serial cyclone clustering'? Back-to-back Arctic storms can double sea ice loss, study finds
The Arctic is experiencing intensified sea ice destruction due to consecutive storm clusters, which cause double the damage compared to solitary storms. These serial cyclones leave a prolonged impact on the ice, exacerbated by rising temperatures that thin its structure, leaving Arctic coastlines at greater risk of erosion and destabilization as they become increasingly susceptible to cyclonic events.
In 2009, NASA started conducting the largest airborne survey of Earth's polar ice under Operation IceBridge to bridge the observational gap between ICESat and ICESat-2
In 2009, NASA started conducting the largest airborne survey of Earth's polar ice under Operation IceBridge to bridge the observational gap between the ICESat and ICESat-2 satellite missions. The campaign used research aircraft, laser altimeters, radar and imaging systems to track changes in Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic and Alaskan glaciers. Its data helped scientists study ice thickness, glacier changes, sea ice and possible effects on sea-level rise.
In 2011, Swedish and Danish researchers fenced muskoxen out of test areas in Greenland. 3 years later, plants there absorbed only half as much carbon in summer
Muskoxen, ancient Arctic survivors, maintain healthy grasslands which store vital carbon. These large herbivores face threats from climate change and increased predation. Historically, overhunting pushed muskoxen populations toward extinction in many regions. International efforts have aided recovery, but enforcement remains a serious concern.
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