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March 21, 2025

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March 16-21, 2025 | Bremen, Germany

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The International Conference on Arctic Margins (ICAM) is a forum for scientists who study the Arctic Ocean and adjacent landmasses. It was founded to promote international scientific cooperation and collaboration in Arctic research and addresses primarily topics from Earth Sciences, but also from Life Sciences and Social Sciences / Education. Since the first ICAM meeting was held in 1991 in Fairbanks, Alaska, nine meetings were organized by different countries and institutions at irregular intervals of about 3-5 years. The meetings are organized by the individual scientists and are not attached to a major international organization or association.

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Glaciers Give Way to New Coasts

Climate change is causing rapid shrinkage of high-latitude glaciers, fundamentally altering the nature of Arctic landscapes. Now, research quantifies the substantial, yet under-reported, development of new coastlines and islands that are revealed as marine-terminating glaciers fall back from the sea.

Nature

[Op-Ed] Security for Our Sea Lanes of Communication in the High North

US Army Veteran and Historian Mike Thornton takes a look at the vulnerability of the High North's undersea cables and the dangers of hybrid warfare. "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance," he writes in this op-ed.

High North News

Interior Secretary Takes Steps to Unleash Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential

Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is taking immediate steps to unleash Alaska’s untapped natural resource potential and support President Donald J. Trump’s vision of American Energy Dominance. Under the Secretary’s leadership, the Bureau of Land Management will pursue steps to expand opportunities for exploration and development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The BLM will also work towards partial revocation of public land withdrawals that will help solidify the path forward for the proposed Ambler Road and Alaska Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline projects.  

Department of Interior

Order of Investigation and Request for Comments- Maritime Chokepoints

The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) has exercised its statutory authority to initiate a nonadjudicatory investigation into transit constraints at international maritime chokepoints, particularly concerning the effects of the laws, regulations or practices of foreign governments, and the practices of owners or operators of foreign-flag vessels, on shipping conditions in these chokepoints. Including, (C.) Northern Sea Passage:

The Northern Sea Passage is emerging as a critical maritime chokepoint as new shipping routes open, a development that could reshape global trade patterns. As the region's waters become ice-free for longer periods, the Northern Sea Passage offers a shortcut between Europe and Asia, reducing travel time and fuel consumption. However, this has sparked competition over governance, with Russia seeking control over the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia, and imposing fees, while other nations push for international access. The Northern Sea Passage's strategic importance is further amplified by increased military activity from Russia and China, including new bases and icebreakers, reflecting its growing value for nuclear deterrence and missile defense. As a result, both Russia and NATO forces are ramping up their military presence, increasing the potential for tensions and conflicts over access to the region's trade routes and resources.

Federal Register

Request for U.S. Industry Input Regarding the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact

This notice requests information from the public to assist MARAD in determining which shipyards in the United States have the capacity, capability, and readiness to construct ships capable of operating in ice conditions and determining what factors would be necessary to further develop icebreaker ships in the United States. The objectives of the request are to increase the capacity of the United States to design, produce, and maintain polar icebreakers through trilateral collaboration while supporting each country's shipbuilding industrial base.

Federal Register
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March 20-28, 2025 | Boulder, Colorado USA

4th International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV)

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.

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RESCHEDULED DATE | NEW THIS WEEK | July 30- August 1, 2025 | Anchorage, Alaska USA

Arctic Encounter 2025

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. 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.

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External links in this publication, and on the USARC's World Wide Web site (www.arctic.gov) do not constitute an endorsement by the US Arctic Research Commission of external Web sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities, the USARC does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. These links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this newsletter and the USARC website.