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Do you know you can get your Arctic Daily Update via Facebook and Twitter, as well as by email? Connect via the USARC Facebook page here. Connect via the USARC Twitter page here.
Lords Arctic Committee Hears From Leading Climate Scientists, July 15, 2014 (London, England). The House of Lords Select Committee on the Arctic will take evidence from academics specializing in climate change and sea ice as it continues its new inquiry. The first set of witnesses the questions will focus on the impact of changing global and local temperatures on the Arctic environment, whether the available data on the subject is robust enough to support informed policy making and what impact changing conditions are having on people, wildlife and economic opportunities in the Arctic region. The second session will cover the short and long term causes of changes to sea ice in the Arctic, what the possible impacts of a decline in Arctic sea ice might be and how far UK research influences policy in the Arctic states.
 Today's Congressional Action:
The House and Senate will be in session and are expected to consider non-Arctic legislation.
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Media
 Minister Aglukkaq Announces Founding Meeting of the Arctic Economic Council. The Honorable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, will host the initial meeting of the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on September 2 and 3, 2014. During Canada's Arctic Council chairmanship (2013-15), the Arctic Council states and Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations have worked together to facilitate the creation of the AEC. The AEC will work to foster sustainable development, including economic growth, environmental protection and social development in the Arctic. Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
NOAA to Announce State of the Climate in 2013 Report Findings. On Thursday, July 17, scientists from the United States and New Zealand will announce key findings from a peer-reviewed State of the Climate study that examines temperature, precipitation and extreme events experienced around the world in 2013. The study will be published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. The State of the Climate in 2013 report, compiled by 425 scientists from 57 countries around the world, provides a detailed update on global climate indicators, notable weather events and other data collected by environmental monitoring stations and instruments on land, sea, ice and sky. NOAA News
Rising Mercury Levels Leave Their Mark on Yellow-Billed Loons, Study Says. Yellow-billed loons that migrate to nesting sites on Alaska's Arctic coastal plain are bearing an undesirable burden that comes from thousands of miles away -- mercury unleashed by industrial pollution, according to a new study. The study, published in a special issue of the journal Waterbirds that is devoted to loon research, describes mercury levels found in feathers, blood and eggs of yellow-billed loons, birds that spend their summers nesting on the Arctic coastline. Alaska Dispatch News
Fun video on "Gettin' Real at this Dalton Highway Research Site."
 | | Gettin' Real at this Dalton Highway Research Site |
Free Access to BOEM-Funded Studies. Free online access, until September 19, 2014, is being offered to a special issue of the journal "Deep-Sea Research II" entitled, "The Northern Chukchi Sea Benthic Ecosystem: Characterization, Biogeochemistry, and Trophic Linkages." Published in spring 2014, the 13 articles are on results from field expeditions during open-water periods in the summers of 2009 and 2010. The special issue focuses on the biological and chemical characteristics of the sea floor community, with the goal of establishing a benchmark to assess future changes that may occur in response to (1) impacts from oil and gas activities, and (2) variations in hydrography, circulation or ice retreat associated with climate change. The research was funded by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Environmental Studies Program, with supplemental support from industry. Science Direct
 Rosneft Will Fund Polar Bear Studies in the Arctic Shelf. The Arctic Research and Design Center (the Rosneft and ExxonMobil JV) and public organization called The Marine Mammals Council have entered in a research-and-development contract for staging polar bear studies in the areas of potential hydrocarbon development projects. Rosneft pays particular attention to preserving and protecting the polar ecosystems. In its offshore projects, the Company plans a permanent environmental monitoring program in the Arctic seas and coast line areas. Rosneft restores an effective meteorological network in Arctic. Within the last year alone, the Company launched 3 modern meteorological observing stations on the coast of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Resneft
One Small Step for Arctic Business. When representatives from businesses from around the Arctic gather in Iqualuit, Nunavut, on September 2, it will mark the realisation of one of the Canadian government's marquee goals for its Arctic Council chairmanship. When it assumed the rotating leadership of the council in May of last year, Ottawa made clear that economic development, through an "Arctic-to-Arctic" dialogue, would be one of its primary focuses. Arctic Journal
Baltic Sea Studies: Cleanup Would Benefit Region's Economy; Algal Blooms Arriving Earlier. Sweden stands to gain nearly $4 billion per year 70,000 new jobs if the Baltic Sea is cleaned up, according to a consulting report commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund. "I think that this is a very good report, it helps me in my job as environment minister. It is exactly what I usually say too, that just by doing good for the environment we create innovation, we create new jobs and we create a better quality of life for people. Cleaner air, clean water, fewer dangerous chemicals," Minister of the Environment Lena Ek of the government's Center party told Swedish Radio. Alaska Dispatch News
Migrating Alaska Sparrow Perform Despite Lack of Sleep. Each fall, white-crowned sparrows hop off branches in Alaska and begin journeys toward California, Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas. On their trip of several weeks, flying mostly at night, the tiny songbirds may cut back on their sleep by two-thirds. Scientists in Wisconsin discovered the sparrow's apparent ability to perform while cutting rest with the help of a few birds captured in Fairbanks a few years ago. White-crowned sparrows are a few inches tall, with a gray body, brown wings and tail, and black and white stripes in the pattern of a bicycle helmet on their heads. Their seven-note song is a sign of spring for many northerners. Alaska Native News
 USCG Icebreaker 'Polar Star' Change of Command. Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, will preside over the ceremony where Capt. Matthew R. Walker will assume the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of 'Polar Star' from Capt. George E. Pellissier, informs the Coast Guard. Commissioned in 1976, Polar Star is currently the only heavy ice breaker in service in the United States. The ship was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company of Seattle, Washington along with her sister ship, Polar Sea. The cutter's missions include close ice escort and logistics support of high latitude outposts. Polar Star also conducts search and rescue and supports scientific research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions. MarineLink
Permafrost Thaw Cracks Urban Infrastructure, Students Dig In. Students from Russia, U.S., Norway, Germany, Italy, China and U.K. arrived this week in Norilsk, Russia where they will spend two weeks in a field school to assess the effects of permafrost thaw on Russian urban infrastructure. The student researchers will conduct permafrost research in the field as well as meet with representatives of the Norilsk-Nickel mining company and of local production plants and geological, planning, social and migration services to form a science-based dialogue about problems and solutions. Barents Observer
 Full Steam Ahead for Asian Icebreakers in the Arctic This Summer. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) governs many of the activities on and below the world's oceans, including scientific research. On the high seas, which are the global commons of mankind and belong to no country, states may conduct marine scientific research "exclusively for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of mankind as a whole." While much of the research that countries are carrying out on the high seas likely has global benefits, it also generates benefits for individual countries, too. This is especially the case when studies pertain to natural resources. But it also holds true regardless of the topic of interest, since the mere practice of science in the circumpolar north helps to legitimize countries' claims to have a voice in northern affairs by showing them to be responsible and concerned Arctic actors. It is also a visible display of technological might and prowess, for only a select few countries in the world can send an icebreaker to the Arctic. Alaska Dispatch News
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Legislative Action
Congress did not formally consider Arctic legislation Friday.
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Future Events
Implementing US Policy in the Arctic, July 23, 2014 (Washington, D.C.). The subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will host a hearing on implementing US policy in the Arctic. Several agency witnesses are expected to testify. Congressional hearing to be webcast live...
ICETECH 2014, July 28-31, 2014 (Banff, Alberta, Canada). The International Conference and Exhibition on Performance of Ships and Structures on Ice (ICETECH) is organized by the Arctic Section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. The theme of the conference is performance of ships and structures in ice (icebreaking ships, ice resistant structures, and operations in ice) with emphasis and special sessions on looking to the future in a warming world. The conference will cover topics including:Global warming implications to Arctic ships and structures; Icebreaking ships, Naval Architecture, construction, and marine operations; Structures in ice/iceberg populated waters; Construction and logistics in ice-covered areas; Ice management; New offshore developments in ice-covered areas; Subsea pipelines and facilities in ice; Marine systems for offshore drilling and production operations in ice; Codes, regulations and standards; Ice conditions, forecasting and remote sensing; Safety, risk and environmental protection; Escape, Evacuation and Rescue (EER); and Arctic Geopolitics.
Alaska Policy Commission. August 26-27, 2014 (Kotzebue-Nome, Alaska).
The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission (AAPC) has more important work to do in 2014. The Commission will strive to gather public input and engage with Alaskan communities, state agencies, federal partners, and the international organizations working in the Arctic. In order to meet our goals AAPC will convene three in-person meetings over the course of 2014 and focus on implementation and final recommendations.
World Trade Center Alaska: Arctic Ambitions Trade Mission to Northern Europe, September 4-14, 2014 (Finland-Norway-Iceland). The Trade Mission will visit Northern and Arctic Europe starting September 4th in Finland and ending September 14 in Iceland, with an intermediary stop in Norway. The itinerary includes three days in each country and features visits to Arctic communities. Familiarization with Northern Europe's economies, and in particular commercial development in the Arctic, is the main goal of this trade mission. The participants will gain useful networking opportunities and a wealth of information on these three countries. For registration and information, please contact WTCAK at (907) 278-7233.
Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, September 9-11, 2014 (Whitehorse, Canada). The Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region is a biennial conference for parliamentarians representing the eight Arctic countries and the European Parliament. The biennial conference is attended by representatives from the national parliaments of the Arctic states and the European Parliament. The Arctic indigenous peoples are permanent participants to the cooperation. Observers participate from governments and inter-parliamentary organizations as well as from observer states and relevant international organizations.
AOOS Film Contest, Submission Deadline September 15, 2014.
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) is seeking short films highlighting Alaska's coast or oceans. AOOS welcomes films of any genre relating to the ocean (i.e. people using the ocean and coast, marine research, marine wildlife, ocean-related policy issues, etc). You don't need to be a professional to submit a film!
102nd US Arctic Research Commission Meeting, September 15-16, 2014 (Anchorage, Alaska, USA). The 102nd USARC meeting will be held in Anchorage. Additional information and schedule to follow.
2014 Week of the Arctic, October 6-11, 2014 (Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow, Alaska, USA). The Institute of the North will host the 2014 Week of the Arctic. The 2014 Week of the Arctic is a platform for community leaders, subject matter experts and interested stakeholders to learn about the Arctic while contributing to a growing list of priorities and perspectives. Presentations, roundtable discussions and workshops will be held in Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow. Throughout the week, presentations and interviews will be captured on video for distribution through social media and web-based sharing.
2014 FAMOS School and Workshop #3, October 21-24, 2014 (Woods Hole, MA). The Forum for Arctic Ocean Modeling and Observational Synthesis (FAMOS) is an international effort to focus on enhancing collaboration and coordination among Arctic marine and sea ice modelers, theoreticians and observationalists synthesize major results from the field studies and coordinated numerical experiments. The major themes of workshop include but not limited by studies focused on: predictions; Arctic observational and modeling initiatives; fate of sea ice in models and observations; atmospheric, sea ice and ocean dynamics; process studies and parameterizations; model validation and calibration; numerical improvements and algorithms; ecosystems, biological issues, and geochemistry.
Transatlantic Science Week 2014, October 27-28, 2014 (Toronto, Canada). The purpose of the annual Transatlantic Science Week (TSW) is to promote enhanced cooperation between Canadian, American and Norwegian stakeholders in research, innovation and higher education. TSW is an arena where different stakeholders can meet with the purpose of developing long-term collaborations or partnerships. The conference also hopes to strengthen the linkages that currently exist between the research and education domains. Finally, TSW also provides an excellent arena for dialogue between the research communities and policymakers.
Arctic Circle, October 31-November 2, 2014 (Reyjavik, Iceland).
The Arctic Circle is nonprofit and nonpartisan. Organizations, forums, think tanks, corporations and public associations around the world are invited to hold meetings within the Arctic Circle platform to advance their own missions and the broader goal of increasing collaborative decision-making without surrendering their institutional independence. The Arctic Circle will organize sessions on a variety of issues, such as: Sea ice melt and extreme weather; Polar law: treaties and agreements; The role and rights of indigenous peoples; Security in the Arctic; Shipping and transportation infrastructure; The prospects and risks of oil and gas drilling; Clean energy achievements and sustainable development; Arctic resources; Business cooperation in the Arctic; The role of Asian and European countries in the Arctic; Greenland in the new Arctic; Fisheries and ecosystem management; The science of ice: global research cooperation; Arctic tourism; The ice-dependent world: the Arctic and the Himalayas.
US- Canada Northern Oil and Gas Research Forum, November 4-6, 2014 (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada). Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Canadian Polar Commission in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, are hosting the fourth Canada - United States Northern Oil and Gas Research Forum. The Northern Oil and Gas Research Forum is a biennial meeting with representation from government, industry, academia, Aboriginal groups and Northerners from both Canada and the United States. The Forum provides an opportunity to discuss current and future priorities for northern oil and gas research. The Forum will showcase the value of northern research in support of sound decision-making for oil and gas management.
Alaska Policy Commission. November 13-14, 2014 (Anchorage, Alaska). The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission (AAPC) has more important work to do in 2014. The Commission will strive to gather public input and engage with Alaskan communities, state agencies, federal partners, and the international organizations working in the Arctic. In order to meet our goals AAPC will convene three in-person meetings over the course of 2014 and focus on implementation and final recommendations.
The Arctic Biodiversity Congress, December 2-4, 2014 (Trondheim, Norway). The Arctic Biodiversity Congress will present and discuss the main scientific findings of the ABA; facilitate inter-disciplinary discussion, action and status updates on the policy recommendations in the ABA; provide scientific, policy, management, NGO, academia, Indigenous peoples and industry audiences the opportunity to collaborate around the themes of the ABA; advise CAFF on national and international implementation of the ABA recommendations and on the development of an ABA Implementation Plan for the Arctic Council; highlight the work of CAFF and the Arctic Council on circumpolar biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; and, contribute to mainstreaming of biodiversity and ecosystem services, ensuring that the recommendations of the ABA are implemented by not just governments, but many organizations and people across disciplines.
Arctic Change 2014, December 8-12, 2014 (Ottawa, Canada). The international Arctic Change 2014 conference aims to stimulate discussion and foster collaborations among people with a vested interest in the Arctic and its peoples. Coinciding with the pinnacle of Canada's chairmanship of the Arctic Council and marking ArcticNet's 10th anniversary, Arctic Change 2014 welcomes researchers, students, Northerners, policy makers, and stakeholders from all fields of Arctic research and all countries to address the numerous environmental, social, economical and political challenges and opportunities that are emerging from climate change and modernization in the Arctic. With over 1000 participants expected to attend, Arctic Change 2014 will be one of the largest trans-sectoral international Arctic research conferences ever held in Canada.
Arctic Frontiers: Climate and Energy, January 18-23, 2015. The earth is in the midst of major climate changes. The Arctic is experiencing the impact of these changes more and faster than other parts of the globe. Processes starting in the Arctic may have deep and profound impacts on other parts of the globe. At the same time the Earth's population is rising and with it the global energy demand. New and greener energy sources are gaining market shares, but still the energy mix of the foreseeable future will have a substantial fossil component. The Arctic is expected to hold major oil and gas resources, while the regions green energy potentials are less explored. The Arctic Frontiers conference is a central arena for discussions of Arctic issues. The conference brings together representatives from science, politics, and civil society to share perspectives on how upcoming challenges in the Arctic may be addressed to ensure sustainable development. Arctic Frontiers is composed of a policy section and a scientific section.
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