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February 15, 2022

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3:00 pm ET on February 15, 2022 | Virtual

IARPC Webinar on Biennial Implementation Planning

The Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026 provides a high-level strategy and goals for the next five years of Arctic research. In order to respond quickly to novel challenges and to provide more opportunities for Arctic researchers and residents to drive the work IARPC does, we are moving to a two-year implementation process for the plan. Biennial implementation plans will include more granular, specific objectives and deliverables. The first biennial implementation plan is currently under development and will cover 2022-2024. In this webinar, biennial implementation plan transition teams will provide an overview of their draft objectives and request input and ideas. This webinar is hosted by IARPC.

Event Link
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New Photos May Be First Visual Evidence Of North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Bering Sea In Winter

In early February, commercial fishermen spotted at least two endangered North Pacific right whales among a large group of around 20 whales. The whales were feeding in waters just northeast of a narrow strait in the Aleutian Islands. “I took the time to take these pictures and video because the encounter was unique to me. I have watched many thousands of whales feeding in the 35 years I have sailed the North Pacific and Bering, yet none like this,” said Josh Trosvig, who captains the cod fishing vessel Cerulean. “It is important to have a good relationship between industry and the federal and state agencies that monitor the oceans. Hopefully this sighting will add to the knowledge database pertaining to these rare cetaceans.”

NOAA Fisheries

Erosion Due to Climate change is Destroying the Arctic Coastline

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We may lose up to three meters of coastline in the Arctic every year by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, according to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The authors also warn about bigger waves due to increasing temperatures, making the coastline very vulnerable to further losses due to erosion.

European Scientst

Norwegian Intelligence Service: The Arctic is Increasingly Important

The Arctic is increasingly important to the great powers. Despite security policy tension between Russia and the West, Russian behavior in the High North nevertheless shows that Moscow has an interest in a stable Arctic, according to the Norwegian intelligence services’ most recent threat assessment.

High North News

Arctic Council Approves Russian Anti-virus Project

The Arctic Council approved a draft project by Russian experts on countering the viruses emerging due to permafrost melting. Nikolai Korchunov, Russian Ambassador at Large and Chair of the Committee of Senior Arctic Officials, said earlier that climate warming in the northern latitudes is dangerous because it can wake viruses that have been concealed by permafrost. As a Chair of the Arctic Council, Russia has suggested a biosafety program for countering this threat through a concerted effort.

The Arctic
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1:00 pm ET on February 16, 2022 | Virtual

Diversity & Inclusion Discussion Group: Indigenous Food Sovereignty & Self-Governance, with Carolina Behe of Inuit Circumpolar Council Alaska

IARPC Collaborations Diversity & Inclusion Working Group hosts this event and is hosting a quarterly reading group initiative, designed to encourage reading and open conversations on topics related to diversity and inclusion in Arctic Science. This event will focus Indigenous food sovereignty and self-governance, featuring a discussion with Carolina Behe of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Alaska.

Event Link

NEW THIS WEEK | 6:30 pm AKT on February 16, 2022 | Virtual

UPDATE: MCKAY’S BUNTING - ALASKA’S ISLAND SONGBIRD

The McKay’s Bunting is an Alaskan songbird that breeds on remote St. Matthew and Hall islands in the center of the Bering Sea. During 2003 and 2018, researchers conducted breeding season surveys to estimate abundance and monitor breeding success. Rachel’s collaborative research results include global population estimates of this unique species. Learn how this hearty cousin to our region’s Snow Bunting is faring on these isolated islands. 


Rachel Richardson is a Wildlife Biologist with the US Geological Survey Alaska Science Center. 


Join Zoom Meeting

https://tinyurl.com/2weejzzv

Meeting ID: 839 5365 6767, Passcode: 016836

Or call: 253 215 8782

NEW THIS WEEK | 4:00 pm on February 24, 2022 | Virtual

Evolution of the Arctic Council

Since the founding of the Arctic Council 25 years ago, conditions have changed. A sizable number of non-Arctic states and non-governmental organizations have joined the Council as Observers, media coverage has increased, and corporate interests have kept an eye on business opportunities. How might these developments change the operations of the Arctic Council? How can the region’s Indigenous peoples maintain a strong presence in this increasingly crowded field? Some argue that the “new” Arctic is now part of the global system. With these pressures in mind, how can the Arctic Council retain the virtues of a smaller organization and also embrace a philosophy of inclusivity? Panelist include Arctic luminaries Rosemarie Kuptana, Franklyn Griffiths, and Oran Young, moderated by Tony Penikett.

Event Link

March 9-11, 2022 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Arctic360 Annual Conference

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Arctic360 will host this event with guest from sectors including Indigenous, private sector, and political leaders across Canada. The 2022 conference theme: ‘WHERE INFRASTRUCTURE MEETS DIPLOMACY’ focuses on strengthening partnership to help build green, connected, smart, and climate resilient transportation infrastructure to foster local economic growth and well-being at home and connect the region to domestic and international markets. Turning potential into reality requires vision, planning, political cooperation, and the Public-Private-Indigenous Partnerships that are necessary for success. The path towards 21st century Arctic transportation infrastructure is where ‘Infrastructure Investment Meets Diplomacy.’

Event Link

March 26- April 1, 2022 | Virtual and Tromsø, Norway

Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) 2022

The Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) is organized annually by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)  to provide opportunities for coordination, cooperation and collaboration between the various scientific organizations involved in Arctic research. It was initiated by the IASC in 1999.

Event Link

NEW THIS WEEK | April 6, 2022 | Anchorage, Alaska, USA

114th US Arctic Research Commission Meeting

Please save the date for the US Arctic Research Commission meeting. Additional information to follow.

April 7-8, 2022 | Anchorage, Alaska USA

Arctic Encounter

Join us on April 7th and 8th in Anchorage, Alaska at the Denai’na Convention Center and the Anchorage Museum for Arctic Encounter Anchorage 2022. As the largest Arctic policy and business conference in the United States, with partners and convenings across the globe, the Arctic Encounter brings together thousands of Arctic leaders and voices from around the world. Following two years of cancellation due to COVID-19, the Arctic Encounter is eager to welcome participants to Alaska for a world-class arts and cultural experience, including dialogue and presentations with elected and international leaders, business executives, indigenous peoples, scientists, and more. Visit ArcticEncounter.com to learn more and to subscribe to receive the most up-to-date information as speakers, partners, exhibitors, and more are announced.

Event Link

April 9-11, 2022 | St. Petersburg, Russia

The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue Forum

The participants in the forum will focus on improving the living standards in the Arctic region, preserving its unique ecological potential, ensuring sustainable socioeconomic development in polar territories, and strengthening international cooperation to this end. The IAF is a unique space for constructive cooperation with international and regional organizations and an opportunity to focus on Russian and international priorities, including climate change, the environment, economic cooperation in the Arctic, sustainable development of transport infrastructure, and human capital development.

Event Link

May 3-6, 2022 | Anchorage, Alaska USA

Reducing Arctic Risks and Advancing Cooperation, Alaskan Command Arctic Symposium 2022

Arctic Symposium 2022 continues momentum in Arctic defense and security collaboration established in prior ALCOM-hosted events. AAS22 seeks to address the challenges faced by the U.S. military and our allies and partners in understanding and responding to our respective national interests. AAS22 is planned and organized by the Arctic Domain Awareness Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) in support and in compliance to guidance from Alaskan Command (ALCOM) Staff and Commander. More information available soon.

Event Link

NEW THIS WEEK May 8-11, 2022 | Tromsø, Norway and digital

Arctic Frontiers 2022: Pathways

The 2022 theme, Pathways, reflects the choices the Arctic is facing when addressing pressing global challenges. The urgency for action will be discussed in terms of pathways to economic development, sustainability, climate action, security, stability, and respect for science in decision-making. The scale spans from national to global policies, from corporate strategies to regional actions and indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the need for broad stakeholder engagement and partnership.

Event Link

MAY 9-12, 2022 | HANKO, FINLAND

2nd Symposium on Polar Microbes and Viruses

Organizers announce, that due to the coronavirus outbreak, the 2nd Symposium on Polar Microbes and Viruses has been postponed to 2022. This symposium will bring together molecular microbial ecologists specializing in different organism groups to share our latest results and discuss methodological problems, as well as future prospects in the field, including practical international collaborations. The environmental focus will be on cryospheric environments including sea ice, glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost, but excellent research in other polar environments is also invited. The methods to be discussed will focus on 'omics' techniques, ranging from single cells to metagenomes, but research using additional methods is encouraged as well.

August 1-4, 2022 | Utqiagvik, Alaska USA

75th Anniversary of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory: Celebrating the Past—Planning for the Future

The events during the week of August 1st, 2022, will include Enhancing Arctic Science and Engineering Workshop along with Regional Development Tours and forums on the Arctic science to plan for the next 25 years of Arctic research. Participants will include scientists and engineers, Indigenous leaders, Arctic community members, policymakers, government organizations and businesses to celebrate past research success, take stock of current challenges and opportunities and plan for the next generation of collaboration and knowledge co-production that will keep Utqiagvik and Indigenous knowledge at the forefront of Arctic science and contribute to a safe and sustainable future for

the Arctic.

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