An increasing amount of liquefied natural gas being imported into the United States and new shale deposits resulting in cheap natural gas supplies have reduced the need to develop gas in the Arctic, potentially pushing back the need to use Arctic gas by 15 years, according to pipeline executive Steve Letwin. more »

According to a recent study of caribou populations the animal’s numbers have decreased worldwide by a whopping 60 percent in the past three decades.  Scientists are calling it a “dramatic revelation”. more »

Within the past few months there has been much concern over not only Russia’s position on the Arctic, but the force with which the country said it will protect its interests in the region.  Several reports coming out of Russia on its handling of the Arctic conflict in the future were taken to mean that the country was fully prepared to go to war and would be increasing its military presence in the area in preparation. more »

During his address at the 3rd Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval & Maritime Operations at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, Senator Mark Begich has recommended five major policy initiatives to help Alaska, and the United States in general, acclimatize to what he has deemed the “Second Arctic Century”. more »

According to one Arctic researcher, scientists studying climate change and environmental issues should take a page from their own book and try to become more environmentally friendly while going about their research.

“Actions speak much louder than words with an issue this important,” says Ryan Brook, a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine.  Brook believes that scientists working in the Arctic should try harder to reduce their carbon footprints. more »

The crew of the Open Passage Expedition set sail on June 6^th from Victoria, BC on the Silent Sound for a voyage to understand more about climate change, particularly in the Arctic and how it is affecting Inuit communities.  The vessel will travel the Northwest Passage west to east.  The team is hoping to share the information it gathers through a book and a film detailing their trip, along with regular updates for CNN.com and blogging on their own website. more »

A leading environmental group is planning on suing the American federal government in order to compel them to come to a decision in regards to further protection for Arctic seals. more »

Over 200 delegates are talking part in the 2030 North conference in an effort to start the basic groundwork for a strategy on the north and its future. The general consensus at the conference is that those living in the Canadian Arctic must be the ones to set the tone for any discussions and decisions being made about the Arctic. more »