As Arctic sea ice continues to thin and shrink, an essential feature of its ecosystem—pressure ridges—is becoming increasingly rare, saysa recent study from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). “Until now, it’s remained unclear how pressure ridges were changing,” Thomas Krumpen, a sea-ice expert at AWI and lead author of the study, said in a statement.

Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic that can be too small to see with the naked eye, have infiltrated all environments around the world. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, they are found in water, snow, soil and the tissues of animals and people. In Alaska, they have been found in commercially important fish like pollock, in water bodies around the Southcentral region and in tap water in Anchorage.

The Swedish Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic establishment in December 2024 marks a new chapter in Sweden’s dedication to polar research. This collaboration builds on a legacy of pioneering Arctic research by bringing together the expertise of UMU, LTU, and the SPRS. The centre was established as a leading platform for research and education in polar regions.

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Anchorage Post announces the Arctic Industry Forum for 2025. This event brings together senior leaders and practitioners focused on addressing matters affecting National Security that have effects in the built and natural infrastructure environments.

Emergency management in the Arctic is a fast-changing landscape. There have been many developments to emergency prevention, preparedness and response, while at the same time, risk factors and environmental and social conditions are rapidly changing. This event is hosted by the Arctic Council.

In lead up to its 35th anniversary in 2025, the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is coordinating a multi-year planning process for the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) that will engage Arctic researchers, policymakers, residents, and stakeholders from around the world to collegially discuss the state of Arctic science, the place the Arctic occupies in global affairs and systems, to consider the most urgent knowledge gaps and research priorities that lie before us and to explore avenues to address these research needs. This event is hosted by a consortium of US institutions, including the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Northern Iowa, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University. ICARP I, II, and III focused the attention of the world’s researchers toward the value of strategic international coordination in accelerating progress in addressing critical challenges. ICARP IV will build upon this concept by striving to achieve consensus and build collaborations among the leading scientific, academic, environmental, Indigenous and political organizations currently concerned with Arctic issues.

Arctic Encounter, North America’s leading conference on Arctic policy and business, annually gathers over 1,000 participants from more than two dozen countries. As a nonprofit NGO, Arctic Encounter convenes and hosts dialogues and policy debates among international leaders, business executives, Indigenous representatives, federal agencies, diplomats, scientists, and policymakers. Hosted in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, the event offers participants a unique blend of arts, culture, and critical discussions, contributing to a deeper understanding of Arctic challenges and opportunities.