21 January 2026 – Following Donald Trump’s appearance in Davos, there was an immediate political and economic reaction both in Europe and within the transatlantic alliance. On the evening of the same day, Trump announced that he would not impose the previously threatened tariffs against several Euro
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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 –
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,
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
The International Date Line runs between the Diomede Islands. While the day is coming to an end in Alaska (right), the new day is already beginning in Chukotka (left). (Photo: NASA)Nestled in the harsh expanse of the Bering Strait, between Alaska and the Russian Chukotka Peninsula, lie the Diomede I
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
The mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) is a species found in the Southern Ocean and the southernmost waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It occurs mainly near the Heard and McDonald Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, and islands in the South Atlantic such as South Georgia and Bouvet Island. (Foto: Ge
