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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Cumulative effects of fuel spills in Nunavut and N.W.T. not being well tracked, experts say
Environmental experts are worried the cumulative effects of gas, oil and fuel spills aren't being adequately tracked in parts of the North. Last year, Nunavut and N.W.T. together recorded hundreds of contaminant spills, some of them small and others in the thousands of litres.
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
CBC

80 mph, 90 mph and higher: Here's a rundown of peak gusts recorded across Southcentral Alaska in Sunday's storm
A storm in Southcentral Alaska recorded peak wind gusts reaching up to 110 mph, causing power outages in Anchorage and the Mat-Su area.
Southcentral Alaska, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Wind and rain batter Anchorage and Mat-Su, leaving power outages across the region
A severe storm hit Anchorage and Mat-Su, causing power outages for thousands due to high winds and rain. Gusts exceeded 100 mph in higher elevations, with significant impacts across the region.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Part of pedestrian bridge collapses onto Seward Highway in South Anchorage
A part of a pedestrian bridge collapsed onto the Seward Highway in Anchorage due to high winds, blocking the highway temporarily, though the bridge's main structure remained intact. No injuries were reported.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Roof ripped off Anchorage home amid intense wind gusts
A severe windstorm with gusts nearing 75 mph tore off the roof of a home in Anchorage, Alaska, captured on security footage.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

Anchorage power outages extend to fourth day in wake of 'extreme' warm January storm
An unusually warm January storm with record warmth and hurricane-force winds left Anchorage residents facing extended power outages for four days.

Thousands in Southcentral Alaska remain without power after Sunday's wind and rain storm
A powerful wind and rain storm in Southcentral Alaska caused widespread power outages and closures, affecting thousands in the Anchorage area.

According to the new master plan for the location of electric power facilities in the Arctic until 2042
On January 9, an order was published on the website of the Russian government on the approval of the master plan for the placement of electric power facilities
Pevek, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Rising frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves threaten Arctic ecosystems
Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the Arctic, posing a threat to its fragile ecosystems, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.
Arctic Ocean
The Barents Observer

Since November, a warm weather pattern has dominated winter in Anchorage
Despite the fourth snowiest October on record, roughly half of precipitation in Anchorage has been rain this winter.
Alaska Public Media

Lapland shivers while south warms in a January of extremes for Finland
January in Finland showcased extreme contrasts with Lapland recording frigid temperatures, including a low of -38.9°C, while southern regions experienced unseasonably mild conditions with a peak of 9.5°C driven by föhn winds.
Savukoski, Lapland, Finland
Eye on the Arctic

Unalaskans help document largest single-species wildlife die-off ever recorded
Unalaskans documented the largest single-species wildlife die-off ever recorded, with four million common murres starving due to a marine heatwave, while also noting a sharp decline in the local raven population, possibly linked to climate change and avian flu.
Unalaska, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Where's the snow? Climate specialist weighs in
Alaska is experiencing an unusually low snowfall this winter, discussed by Rick Thoman, an Alaska Climate Specialist, who highlights broader climate trends such as warming and increased precipitation.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Thousands are without power due to winter storm hitting Newfoundland and Labrador
A severe winter storm battered Newfoundland and Labrador, leaving thousands without power and causing significant damage along the coastline.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
CTV News

Snowy owls are coming to Maine. Here's how to see them in the most ethical way
Snowy owls are migrating to Maine this winter due to an abundance of food in their Arctic breeding grounds. Observers are advised on ethical viewing practices to avoid disturbing these birds.
Maine, United States
Press Herald

Board of Fish to hear proposals to start commercial fishery for magister squid in Southeast Alaska
Proposals have been submitted to the Alaska Board of Fisheries to establish a commercial jig fishery for magister squid in Southeast Alaska, potentially benefiting local fishermen and affecting marine ecosystems.
Ketchikan, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Following August flood, Kipnuk becomes second Alaska tribe to ever receive federal disaster declaration
The Native Village of Kipnuk received a federal disaster declaration following severe flooding in August 2024, becoming the second Alaska tribe to receive such recognition.
Kipnuk, Alaska, United States
KYUK

Inland caribou herds aren’t recovering, report says
The 2024 Arctic Report Card highlights the unusual shift of the Arctic tundra from a carbon sink to a carbon source and reports significant declines in large migratory caribou herds, attributed to climate change impacts like increased winter precipitation and warmer summers.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

2024 was exceptionally warm in Finland
The Finnish Meteorological Institute reported that 2024 was an exceptionally warm year in Finland, with the average temperature notably above normal, particularly in Northern Lapland.
Finland
Yle News

Dismal December snowfall caps a wetter-than-normal year for Alaska
Despite a dry December, Alaska experienced an unusually wet year, with higher-than-normal precipitation mainly occurring in the summer months, according to climatologist Brian Brettschneider.

Neste not behind white clumps washed up on Hanko's shoreline, probe finds
A Finnish Border Guard probe ruled out Neste as the source of white clumps that washed up on Hanko’s beaches, suggesting they may have come from a ship that used a Russian port.
Hanko, Uusimaa, Finland
Yle News

2024 was exceptionally warm in Finland
In 2024, Finland experienced an unusually warm year with an average temperature of 4.0°C, 1.1°C above the long-term average. Northern Lapland saw the highest deviations at 1.7°C above the average.
Finland
Eye on the Arctic

New conservation program on Alaska’s North Slope to offset Willow drilling impact
A new conservation initiative allows the Nuiqsut community and its Native corporation to oversee 1 million acres around Teshekpuk Lake to protect caribou habitat from oil drilling impacts.
Nuiqsut, Alaska, United States

With walls, berms and raised roads, Fort McMurray is working to keep its river from overflowing
Fort McMurray, vulnerable to ice jam floods, is enhancing its infrastructure with walls, berms, and raised roads to prevent future flooding, following a significant incident in 2020.
Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
CBC News

B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
The B.C. Wildlife Federation is constructing 100 artificial beaver dams by 2025 to encourage beaver population growth and restore wetland ecosystems.
British Columbia, Canada
CTV News

Orcas moved into the Arctic. It could be bad news for other whales, and humans too
Orcas have begun to inhabit Arctic waters due to melting sea ice, posing threats to local whale species and potentially affecting Indigenous communities reliant on these ecosystems.
Eastern Arctic, Canada
NNSL Media

2024 rewind: Hurricane Helene
In the early hours of Friday, Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene swept through the Upstate. Seven people were killed by the storm in Greenville County, among nearly 50 in South Carolina. Helene was the deadliest hurricane in state history.
Greenville, North Carolina, United States
GREENVILLE JOURNAL

Annual meeting highlights positive trends for Western Arctic Caribou Herd though there is no population count this year
Despite the inability to conduct a population count this year due to weather conditions, recent data indicates slightly improved survival rates for cows and calves in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing concerns about the herd's decline.
Northwest Arctic, Alaska

Nornickel launches air quality monitoring system in Norilsk
Norilsk Nickel has deployed 16 automatic monitoring stations across Greater Norilsk to measure SO₂, H₂S, CO, NO₂, particulate matter, temperature, pressure and humidity, providing real-time air quality data every 20 minutes via the city’s website.
Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Taymyr Telegraph

Kenai extends agreements for spruce tree mitigation
Kenai has extended agreements with state authorities to continue its spruce tree mitigation efforts, addressing trees affected by spruce beetles.
Kenai, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Christmas Bird Count spots more than 8,000 birds
The 2024 Christmas Bird Count in Homer, Alaska, recorded over 8,000 birds across 64 species, despite challenging weather conditions.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Land Uplift Continues at Steady Rate
Land uplift in Svartsengi continues at a steady rate, linked to ongoing magma accumulation, with increased volcanic activity expected.
Svartsengi, Iceland
Vísir

"Chimney-Free Zone" to Be Established in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's Cabinet has decided to implement a "Chimney-Free Zone" in Ulaanbaatar to improve air quality by banning solid fuel and promoting gas heating, alongside providing green loans and subsidies.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
MONTSAME News Agency

Alaska birds suffered biggest die-off in recorded history in ‘Blob’ heat wave, new study says
The 4 million deaths of common murres during the intense marine heatwave was the biggest wildlife toll in modern history, the study says
Saint Paul, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Researcher Calls for Hunting Ban on Fulmar, Kittiwake, and Skua
Researcher Sjúrður Hammer advocates for an immediate hunting ban on fulmars, kittiwakes, and skuas in the Faroe Islands to prevent possible extinction of these seabirds due to significant population declines.
Faroe Islands
Dimma

Arctic tundra now emitting more carbon gases than it absorbs, annual report says
The Arctic tundra, which historically acted as a carbon sink, is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs due to permafrost warming and increased wildfires, as reported in the NOAA 2024 Arctic Report Card.
Arctic, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

'Left to Fend for Themselves': Volunteers Step Up as Russian Government Falters in Black Sea Oil Spill Response
A major oil spill along Russia's Black Sea coast has mobilized volunteers as official response falters after two oil tankers were damaged during a storm.
Black Sea Coast, Krasnodar, Russia
The Moscow Times

Alaska birds suffered biggest die-off in recorded history in 'Blob' heat wave, new study says
A study revealed that 4 million common murres died during the North Pacific marine heatwave known as the 'Blob,' marking the biggest bird die-off in recorded history.
Alaska, United States
Juneau Empire

B.C. woman killed during Saturday windstorm
A 65-year-old woman in South Surrey was tragically killed by a falling tree during a severe windstorm.
South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

EPA declares Upper Columbia River a Superfund site
The EPA has designated portions of the Upper Columbia River as a Superfund site due to pollution primarily from Canadian industrial sites, opening up federal funding for cleanup.
Columbia River, Washington, United States
Spokesman.com

About permafrost: scientists have identified periods of warming and thawing of permafrost, and found that the destruction of lichens by fires contributes to its melting
Scientists have identified warming periods and permafrost thawing, noting that lichen destruction by fires accelerates melting, with significant temperature increases observed from 2005 to 2023.
Tomsk, Tomsk, Russia

Storm in Nuuk: Construction Crane Collapsed
In Nuuk, a large construction crane has collapsed due to a storm, with no reported injuries.
Nuuk, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Thawing permafrost threatens runways in the North
A new Senate report highlights that thawing permafrost is destabilizing northern runways in Canada, posing a threat to aviation safety as climate change impacts critical infrastructure.
Nunavut, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

Arctic tundra now emitting more carbon gases than it absorbs, annual report says
A NOAA report reveals that Arctic tundra regions, including those in Alaska, have transitioned from carbon sinks to carbon sources due to warming permafrost and intensifying wildfires, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
Arctic, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Arctic shipping season shrinking despite reduced ice coverage, conference hears
Despite reduced overall ice coverage in Canada's Northwest Passage, the Arctic shipping season is shortening due to increased mobility and breakage of sea ice creating navigational hazards.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nunatsiaq News

The Arctic tundra is now a net source of carbon dioxide
The Arctic tundra, which has been a carbon sink for millennia, has shifted to become a carbon source.
Circumpolar Arctic
NOAA Climate.gov

Deer are cute, but their over-abundance is bad news for B.C. forests, birds. Here's why.
Deer populations in southwestern British Columbia have expanded beyond historical levels, causing significant harm to forest plants and bird species. This article explores the impacts and possible solutions to manage deer populations and restore ecological balance.
Southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Fish Camp in Alaska — Without the Fish
In Ruby, Alaska, Indigenous families face cultural and nutritional challenges as climate change and fisheries management impact the availability of chinook and chum salmon, central to their traditions.
Ruby, Alaska, United States
Alaska Beacon

Jasper wildfire, flooding, hail among top weather events of 2024
Environment Canada identified key weather events in 2024, including the devastating Jasper wildfire and significant storms leading to floods and hail damage. These events resulted in mass evacuations and substantial economic losses across Canada.
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
CTV News

Anchorage picks up the pieces after Monday night wind storm
A severe windstorm in Anchorage on Monday night caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power outages, as residents began cleanup efforts the following day.
Alaska's News Source

Kodiak-area communities' workshop troubleshoots coastal erosion
A recent workshop in Kodiak connected some rural communities to resources that could help them adapt to erosion and other issues.
Akhiok, Alaska, United States

Alaska’s climate and environment continue to change, including in some ‘astounding’ ways
Alaska is experiencing rapid environmental changes, including record-high temperatures, shrinking sea ice, increased wildfires, and unusual wildlife patterns, such as the decline of salmon and the rise of snow goose populations.

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