01/21/2026 | Lisa Scherk

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,

01/20/2026 | Marcel Schütz

Strongest solar storm in over 20 years hits Earth

Northern Lights over Zurich – for Mike Jakob, it was a magical moment to witness the usually Arctic phenomenon in his own sky. Northern lights over Zurich’s local mountain “Uetliberg”Image: Mike JakobNorthern Lights Across Europe and North AmericaOn 19 January 2026, skies over large parts of Europe

01/20/2026 | Marcel Schütz

Search for Missing Diver in Antarctica

Dumont-d’Urville Station – Image: Institut Polaire FrançaisAn international search and rescue operation is underway in Antarctica after a scientific diver went missing during an under-ice dive. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in the Adélie Land region.According to the French polar

01/19/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Environmental and Climate Problems in the Arctic

High concentrations of released mercury can impair brain function and development, especially in children and adolescents. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)Thawing Permafrost Releases Dangerous MercuryThe Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, with serious consequences for the environment and

01/18/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Icelandic Fish Casserole

Icelandic fish casserole is a delicious combination of tender fish, potatoes, creamy sauce, and flavorful cheese. This hearty meal offers a harmonious blend of fresh fish, creamy sauce, and a gentle spiciness from the seasonings. This fish casserole is a feast for the senses and a true delight for l

01/17/2026 | Heiner Kubny

East Antarctica: When Ancient Ice Delivers New Answers

The focus of the measurements is the Lützow-Holm Bay region in East Antarctica. (Photo: Yuichi Aoyama)The melting of the polar ice sheets is among the most frequently discussed consequences of climate change. Far less attention, however, is paid to what comes afterward: What happens once an ice shee

01/16/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Russia plans to salvage sunken submarines

On the night of August 29–30, 2003, the submarine K-159 of the Northern Fleet sank while being towed for disposal northwest of Kildin Island, shortly before reaching its destination, at a depth of 238 meters. (Photo: Bellona)The Russian government has included funds for the recovery of the sunken So

01/15/2026 | Heiner Kubny

We experienced the warming of the Antarctic Peninsula

Francisco Fernandoy: “Hurricane-force gusts and massive snowdrifts made our work extremely difficult.” (Photo: Fernandoy/Bozkurt)The Antarctic Peninsula continues to be one of the regions of the Earth most strongly affected by global warming. Along its west coast, temperatures are rising significant

01/14/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Deepest ice reef in the world discovered – and it’s teeming with life

The structure is built from gas hydrates, which numerous animals use as habitat. The image shows an example from more than 3,600 meters depth. (Photo: REV OCEAN)Deep beneath the ocean surface, where hardly any light penetrates and water pressure is immense, a reef made of ice is growing. Off the wes

01/13/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Great Power Competition in the Arctic Is Intensifying

On June 23, 2025, a satellite was launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It marked the first time in history that a satellite was launched specifically to monitor Greenland and the Arctic. (Photo: Space Inventor)Tensions between the United States, Russia, and China have increasingly sp

01/12/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

How Do Whales Get Full on Plankton?

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. Adult animals reach a length of 14 to 17 meters and a weight of up to 40 tons. (Photo: Pexels, Ben Phillips)Whales are among the largest living beings that have ever lived on Earth. It is especially astonishing that some of th

01/11/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Postage Stamps Marking 100 Years of Marine Science

With a special stamp issue, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is honoring a key chapter in international marine research. On 18 December 2025, the fifth and final set of a multi-part series was released, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the so-called Discov

Science

01/21/2026| Lisa Scherk

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,

01/20/2026| Marcel Schütz

Strongest solar storm in over 20 years hits Earth

Northern Lights over Zurich – for Mike Jakob, it was a magical moment to witness the usually Arctic phenomenon in his own sky. Northern lights over Zurich’s local mountain “Uetliberg”Image: Mike JakobNorthern Lights Across Europe and North AmericaOn 19 January 2026, skies over large parts of Europe

01/20/2026| Marcel Schütz

Search for Missing Diver in Antarctica

Dumont-d’Urville Station – Image: Institut Polaire FrançaisAn international search and rescue operation is underway in Antarctica after a scientific diver went missing during an under-ice dive. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in the Adélie Land region.According to the French polar

01/19/2026| Heiner Kubny

Environmental and Climate Problems in the Arctic

High concentrations of released mercury can impair brain function and development, especially in children and adolescents. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)Thawing Permafrost Releases Dangerous MercuryThe Arctic is warming faster than any other region on Earth, with serious consequences for the environment and

01/17/2026| Heiner Kubny

East Antarctica: When Ancient Ice Delivers New Answers

The focus of the measurements is the Lützow-Holm Bay region in East Antarctica. (Photo: Yuichi Aoyama)The melting of the polar ice sheets is among the most frequently discussed consequences of climate change. Far less attention, however, is paid to what comes afterward: What happens once an ice shee

01/15/2026| Heiner Kubny

We experienced the warming of the Antarctic Peninsula

Francisco Fernandoy: “Hurricane-force gusts and massive snowdrifts made our work extremely difficult.” (Photo: Fernandoy/Bozkurt)The Antarctic Peninsula continues to be one of the regions of the Earth most strongly affected by global warming. Along its west coast, temperatures are rising significant

01/14/2026| Heiner Kubny

Deepest ice reef in the world discovered – and it’s teeming with life

The structure is built from gas hydrates, which numerous animals use as habitat. The image shows an example from more than 3,600 meters depth. (Photo: REV OCEAN)Deep beneath the ocean surface, where hardly any light penetrates and water pressure is immense, a reef made of ice is growing. Off the wes

01/12/2026| Rosamaria Kubny

How Do Whales Get Full on Plankton?

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. Adult animals reach a length of 14 to 17 meters and a weight of up to 40 tons. (Photo: Pexels, Ben Phillips)Whales are among the largest living beings that have ever lived on Earth. It is especially astonishing that some of th

Politics

01/21/2026, Lisa Scherk

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,

01/16/2026, Heiner Kubny

Russia plans to salvage sunken submarines

On the night of August 29–30, 2003, the submarine K-159 of the Northern Fleet sank while being towed for disposal northwest of Kildin Island, shortly before reaching its destination, at a depth of 238 meters. (Photo: Bellona)The Russian government has included funds for the recovery of the sunken So

01/11/2026, Heiner Kubny

Postage Stamps Marking 100 Years of Marine Science

With a special stamp issue, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is honoring a key chapter in international marine research. On 18 December 2025, the fifth and final set of a multi-part series was released, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the so-called Discov

01/10/2026, Heiner Kubny

 41 Years of BCAA: Science, Service, and the Future in Antarctica

The station is located on King George Island, on the eastern side of Maxwell Bay. It is staffed year-round by eight people, increasing to up to 60 during the summer months. (Photo: BCAA)With pride and deep respect, Uruguay’s Artigas Antarctic Research Station (BCAA) celebrated its 41st anniversary o

01/08/2026, Marcel Schütz

Joint Statement on Greenland

Source: Danish and Norwegian Government.Posted on 6 January 2026 Statement by President Macron of France, Chancellor Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Tusk of Poland, Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain, Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Freder

01/07/2026, Heiner Kubny

When Will the Dispute Over Greenland Escalate?

Donald Trump – Playing with fire! What comes after Venezuela? (Photo: UnsplashFor now, the situation still appears calm. It is still considered unlikely that the United States will gain control over Greenland in the near future. A determined and so far unified stance by the Danish and Greenlandic go

01/04/2026, Marcel Schütz

Donald Trump: “We do need Greenland, absolutely”

“We do need Greenland, absolutely” Donald Trump said in a telephone interview with the American magazine The Atlantic. “We absolutely need Greenland,” Donald Trump said in a telephone interview with the American magazine The Atlantic. He went on to describe the island—part of Denmark, a NATO ally –

01/04/2026, Marcel Schütz

Trump speaks at the WEF about Greenland and Arctic security

21 January 2026 – During his appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump once again emphasized the security-related importance of Greenland. Trump presented the Arctic island as a central strategic area for the defense of North America and the Western alliance,

Society

01/21/2026, Lisa Scherk

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,

01/09/2026, Lisa Scherk

Polar Night: How Darkness Shapes Rhythm, Psyche, and Community

Colorfull houses in Longyearbyen – Image: Lisa ScherkIn the northern polar regions, the sun disappears below the horizon for weeks or even months during winter – a phenomenon known as the polar night. Everywhere north of the Arctic Circle, this prolonged darkness influences daily life, mood, and soc

01/07/2026, Heiner Kubny

When Will the Dispute Over Greenland Escalate?

Donald Trump – Playing with fire! What comes after Venezuela? (Photo: UnsplashFor now, the situation still appears calm. It is still considered unlikely that the United States will gain control over Greenland in the near future. A determined and so far unified stance by the Danish and Greenlandic go

01/06/2026, Heiner Kubny

A message in a bottle circles two-thirds of Antarctica

On 28 February 2023, Johann Klages threw the message in a bottle for his children overboard in the Drake Passage. (Photo: AWI, Thomas Ronge)What began as a spontaneous idea on the high seas developed into an extraordinary journey: After more than two and a half years, a message in a bottle from an A

01/04/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Royal Letterbox for Antarctica

Kirsten Shaw with letterbox and letter (Photo: Matt Hughes)In the middle of the eternal ice, a special gift caused a stir shortly before Christmas: the staff of the British Rothera Research Station in Antarctica received an original Royal Mail letterbox, of the classic pillar-box design and bearing

12/31/2025, Polar Journal AG Team

With best wishes for the New Year 2026

Take off into the New YearDear Readers, dear Polar Community,As the year draws to a close, we look back with gratitude – and ahead with anticipation. The past year has once again highlighted how dynamic, complex, and vital the polar regions are for our planet. With every article, every piece of rese

12/25/2025, Polar Journal AG Team

Christmas greetings from PolarJournal

We look back on an extraordinary year - one filled with fascinating insights, moving stories, and new perspectives from the most remote regions of our planet. Dear Polar Community,As the world around us is wrapped in sparkling lights and quiet moments, we at Polar Journal also look back on an extrao

12/22/2025, Marcel Schütz

Hope in the Ice – Rare Adoption of a Polar Bear Cub near Churchill Surprises Researchers

Polar bear family, Churchill, Hudson Bay – © Bob SmithChurchill, CanadaIn the midst of the barren vastness of the tundra, scientists have witnessed a moment that made even seasoned polar bear researchers pause. Near the small town of Churchill in northeastern Manitoba, a mother polar bear was spotte

Culture

01/18/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Icelandic Fish Casserole

Icelandic fish casserole is a delicious combination of tender fish, potatoes, creamy sauce, and flavorful cheese. This hearty meal offers a harmonious blend of fresh fish, creamy sauce, and a gentle spiciness from the seasonings. This fish casserole is a feast for the senses and a true delight for l

01/09/2026, Lisa Scherk

Polar Night: How Darkness Shapes Rhythm, Psyche, and Community

Colorfull houses in Longyearbyen – Image: Lisa ScherkIn the northern polar regions, the sun disappears below the horizon for weeks or even months during winter – a phenomenon known as the polar night. Everywhere north of the Arctic Circle, this prolonged darkness influences daily life, mood, and soc

01/06/2026, Heiner Kubny

A message in a bottle circles two-thirds of Antarctica

On 28 February 2023, Johann Klages threw the message in a bottle for his children overboard in the Drake Passage. (Photo: AWI, Thomas Ronge)What began as a spontaneous idea on the high seas developed into an extraordinary journey: After more than two and a half years, a message in a bottle from an A

01/04/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Royal Letterbox for Antarctica

Kirsten Shaw with letterbox and letter (Photo: Matt Hughes)In the middle of the eternal ice, a special gift caused a stir shortly before Christmas: the staff of the British Rothera Research Station in Antarctica received an original Royal Mail letterbox, of the classic pillar-box design and bearing

12/31/2025, Polar Journal AG Team

With best wishes for the New Year 2026

Take off into the New YearDear Readers, dear Polar Community,As the year draws to a close, we look back with gratitude – and ahead with anticipation. The past year has once again highlighted how dynamic, complex, and vital the polar regions are for our planet. With every article, every piece of rese

12/25/2025, Polar Journal AG Team

Christmas greetings from PolarJournal

We look back on an extraordinary year - one filled with fascinating insights, moving stories, and new perspectives from the most remote regions of our planet. Dear Polar Community,As the world around us is wrapped in sparkling lights and quiet moments, we at Polar Journal also look back on an extrao

12/16/2025, Polar Journal AG Team

Beyond sled dogs and gold

Somewhere between myths and hard facts you find Nome, poised also between yesterday and tomorrow. Drawing on his background in anthropology and an equal passion for history, Michael Engelhard, through the lens of one pivotal city, surveys the seam that links two neighboring continents.The region’s l

12/14/2025, Rosamaria Kubny

Canadian Cuisine – Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert known for their rich, buttery filling. These small pastries offer the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a crisp crust and a sticky, caramelized filling. They are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a festive dinner or a cozy afternoon tea.Pre

Economy

01/21/2026, Lisa Scherk

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,

01/07/2026, Heiner Kubny

When Will the Dispute Over Greenland Escalate?

Donald Trump – Playing with fire! What comes after Venezuela? (Photo: UnsplashFor now, the situation still appears calm. It is still considered unlikely that the United States will gain control over Greenland in the near future. A determined and so far unified stance by the Danish and Greenlandic go

12/28/2025, Heiner Kubny

Agreement on Air Traffic Control Signed in Nuuk

In light of Nuuk’s growth as Greenland’s commercial and administrative center, as well as increasing tourism, there was a need for improved flight connections to the capital. The previously required transfer in Kangerlussuaq for most international flights has now been eliminated. (Photo: onemileatat

12/26/2025, Heiner Kubny

Norway and Russia Agree on Fishing Quotas for the Barents Sea

Atlantic cod is found in parts of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. It is one of the most important food fish and is of great significance to the fishing industry. However, many stocks are now threatened by overfishing. (Photo: Wikipedia, August Limmman)After record-long and difficult negotia

12/24/2025, Heiner Kubny

Oil Pipeline Through the Permafrost

The high-resolution satellite image from Google Earth clearly shows severe damage to the permafrost soil. (Image: Google Earth)With the “Vankor–Payakha–Sever Bay Pipeline,” Russia is pushing ahead with one of the largest energy projects in the High North. The roughly 770-kilometer-long pipeline is p

12/22/2025, Marcel Schütz

The United States appoints a special envoy for Greenland

Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has responded firmly to a new move by Donald Trump that has intensified diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland.The trigger is the United States’ decision to appoint a special envoy for Greenland. In Copenhagen, this step is viewed as politically s

12/20/2025, Marcel Schütz

Putin approves North Pole base and additional Arctic projects by decree

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered by decree on 15 December the construction of a non-permanent ice base at the North Pole. The planned Artur Chilingarov Ice Base is to be established on Arctic drifting sea ice near the North Pole and is intended to serve both scientific purposes and short-te

12/18/2025, Heiner Kubny

Data Connection Planned Across the Arctic

Polar Connect is planning a fiber-optic connection across the Arctic. (Image: Polar Connect)With Polar Connect, a groundbreaking initiative is emerging that aims to digitally link Europe and Asia via an entirely new route. A modern fiber-optic cable through the Arctic Ocean promises not only faster

Tourism

01/20/2026, Marcel Schütz

Strongest solar storm in over 20 years hits Earth

Northern Lights over Zurich – for Mike Jakob, it was a magical moment to witness the usually Arctic phenomenon in his own sky. Northern lights over Zurich’s local mountain “Uetliberg”Image: Mike JakobNorthern Lights Across Europe and North AmericaOn 19 January 2026, skies over large parts of Europe

01/11/2026, Heiner Kubny

Postage Stamps Marking 100 Years of Marine Science

With a special stamp issue, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is honoring a key chapter in international marine research. On 18 December 2025, the fifth and final set of a multi-part series was released, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the so-called Discov

12/28/2025, Heiner Kubny

Agreement on Air Traffic Control Signed in Nuuk

In light of Nuuk’s growth as Greenland’s commercial and administrative center, as well as increasing tourism, there was a need for improved flight connections to the capital. The previously required transfer in Kangerlussuaq for most international flights has now been eliminated. (Photo: onemileatat

12/22/2025, Marcel Schütz

Hope in the Ice – Rare Adoption of a Polar Bear Cub near Churchill Surprises Researchers

Polar bear family, Churchill, Hudson Bay – © Bob SmithChurchill, CanadaIn the midst of the barren vastness of the tundra, scientists have witnessed a moment that made even seasoned polar bear researchers pause. Near the small town of Churchill in northeastern Manitoba, a mother polar bear was spotte

12/20/2025, Marcel Schütz

Putin approves North Pole base and additional Arctic projects by decree

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered by decree on 15 December the construction of a non-permanent ice base at the North Pole. The planned Artur Chilingarov Ice Base is to be established on Arctic drifting sea ice near the North Pole and is intended to serve both scientific purposes and short-te

12/19/2025, Heiner Kubny

“Arctic Watch” Ceases Tourist Operations

One of the highlights at Arctic Watch were the belugas. (Photo: Rosamaria Kubny)Nunavut / Canada – Arctic Watch, one of the northernmost tourism operations in the world, is permanently discontinuing all tourist activities after 25 years. The decisive factors are ongoing political and regulatory cond

12/15/2025, Marcel Schütz

From Berlin to Svalbard – The History of the Ny-Ålesund Locomotive

Locomotive at Ny-Ålesund (79° N), before restoration.Photo: Marcel SchützOn the wide western coast of the Norwegian archipelago Svalbardlies the settlement of Ny-Ålesund. Today, it is an international research hub and one of the northernmost permanently inhabited places on Earth. Yet among modern me

11/24/2025, Marcel Schütz

Dani Arnold achieves the first winter ascent of the Tarantellen in Svalbard

Tarantellen on Svalbard – Photo: Marcel SchützA medical emergency, a spontaneous change of plans, and a striking rock formation in one of the most remote corners of the Arctic: Swiss extreme mountaineer Dani Arnold has written a new chapter in his adventure career with an extraordinary winter ascent

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