Policy

Larry Jackson argues that Alaska must move beyond blanket land closures and instead rely on evidence, proportionality, and transparency to address declining wildlife populations.

Ambler Metals’ joint venture of Trilogy and South32 is pushing forward its proposed Arctic open‑pit copper and zinc mine, with permit decisions slated for 2028.

Alaska Senate majority introduced restrictive mandates in the Alaska LNG Project bill—adding penalties, fixed deadlines, and asset forfeiture—that critics say make the venture unbankable, potentially stalling the state’s largest infrastructure initiative.

The Korea Polar Research Institute’s icebreaker Araon left on its 17th Arctic voyage on July 11, capable of carrying roughly 45 containers while also resupplying South Korea’s Antarctic stations. Meanwhile, President Lee has positioned Busan as a polar hub to reinvigorate the country’s shipping economy.

Canada’s ban on launching rockets or satellites from its own soil forces the country to rely on foreign launch facilities for Arctic surveillance—a reality many Canadians remain unaware of, according to a recent poll that also highlights how this limitation constrains national defense readiness.

The piece describes how Yellowknife’s expanding urban farm and garden network—backed by a four‑year Sir Wilfred Laurier University research initiative—are addressing rising food insecurity caused by Arctic supply‑chain disruptions, fires, and flooding.

Typhoon Halong remnants struck Alaska’s Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta in October 2026, flooding Kwigillingok and Kipnuk villages and displacing over 1,600 residents. The disaster has sparked rising mental‑health crises among evacuated youth, prompting calls for expanded support and policy action.

Swiss researchers can now apply for the SPI FOREL Grant Program, which provides up to a substantial amount in funding for studies focused on Arctic environments.

A 12‑day Students on Ice voyage from Greenland to Iqaluit brings former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Inuvik teen Reese Wainman together to discuss climate impacts observed along the route, while urging Canada’s federal government to balance northern investment with stronger emission reductions.

Finland and Sweden are quietly redefining EU‑NATO cooperation in the Arctic by bridging institutional divides through NORDEFCO and the Joint European Force, signaling an evolving Euro‑Atlantic defence architecture in the region.

New guidelines outline non‑binding procedures for collaborative Arctic SAR operations, setting a framework for multilateral incident response in the region.

The U.S. Coast Guard approved the start of construction for its first six icebreaking Arctic Security Cutters, with work to begin at shipyards in Louisiana and Finland.

The U.S. Senate passed a new sanctions bill that names Russia's Arctic LNG 1, 2 and 3 projects as targets, while giving President Trump the authority to suspend those measures if he deems it necessary.

Finland’s recent entry into NATO is tightening pressure on Russia’s heavily militarized Kola Peninsula, a pivotal Arctic hub linked to the rest of the country.

U.S. senators cut the proposed tariff on Russian oil from 500% to 100%, targeting the top five buyers—China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan—and broadened tanker restrictions; the bill also flags Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG projects for potential sanctions while granting President Trump waiver powers.

Russia is exploring fee-based funding to cover the remaining cost of two planned nuclear icebreakers, Leningrad and Stalingrad, which are slated for completion in 2028 and 2030.

The new MOU, signed by Nunavut Premier John Main and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in Arviat on July 7, will guide joint projects such as the Inuit‑led Kivalliq Hydro Fibre Link and Port of Churchill Plus, reinforcing shared priorities from Arctic security to Indigenous arts.

Data is emerging as the key element tying together Canada’s Arctic foreign policy, national AI agenda and ocean strategy, underscoring how information systems drive coordination across these sectors.

Ex‑Typhoon Halong struck Alaska’s Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta on Oct. 11, unleashing a 12‑foot storm surge that lifted homes and displaced roughly 1,600 residents of Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, sparking a widespread mental‑health crisis among young Yup’ik people.