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
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
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
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
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
“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,
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
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
The woolly mammoth is an extinct species from the elephant family. This type of mammoth evolved around 800,000 to 600,000 years ago in Siberia and inhabited the cold steppes of northern Eurasia and North America. (Image: Pixabay)What for decades was considered a sensational Ice Age discovery has now
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
