The US got its first Arctic ambassador in autumn 2024 when Mike Sfraga, an Arctic expert from Alaska, was approved by the Senate. As a nominee of President Joe Biden, Sfraga stepped down when Donald Trump took office in January 2025.  Now Trump has proposed a candidate for the position, namely Julia Nesheiwat. The nomination will now be considered by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

An international research team partly led by the University of Ottawa reports that Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland calved a 76.4 km² (29.5 square miles) ice island on Aug. 4, 2026, marking the glacier's largest loss of floating ice since 2012 and the largest Arctic calving event since 2020.

Northern Alaska’s landfast ice season is getting shorter, shrinking a critical resource for the communities and ecosystems that depend on it. This sea ice has long supported transportation routes, hunting and fishing, and access to nearshore oil and gas facilities. It also protects the shoreline from storms and strong waves, which can cause erosion, while serving as habitat for species like ringed seals — and the polar bears that prey on them — as well as shorebirds and a variety of species that use the ice and nearby open water.

China's icebreaker Xuelong 2 began its first ice station survey near 84 degrees north latitude in the central Arctic Ocean on Sunday, marking the start of about two weeks of comprehensive ice station surveys during the country's 16th Arctic expedition, Xinhua News Agency reported. Researchers set sail from Dalian, Liaoning province, on July 3, with four vessels — Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi and Tansuo 3 — for an expedition organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Both Canada and the U.S. have been quietly shadowing two Chinese icebreaking research ships in Arctic waters off Alaska over the last couple of weeks. The Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and Xue Long (Snow Dragon) 2 sailed north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone in the Bering Sea in July, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Deterrence in the circumpolar North depends on credible warfighting capabilities. But shooting down a missile or launching a fighter jet takes energy, materials, and know-how. This preview of the 2026 Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue brings together defense infrastructure, space, and innovation experts to explain how supply and kill chains converge in the Arctic.

The Alaska Defense Forum brings together military leaders, government officials, defense experts, industry representatives and community stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities shaping Alaska’s role in national defense. Discussions will focus on Arctic security, strategic deterrence, emerging technologies, military readiness, infrastructure and investment, as well as the quality-of-life issues affecting service members, military families and defense communities. The forum is organized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation and the Association of Defense Communities.

The Arctic Circle Assembly, organized by Arctic Circle, brings together government officials, business leaders, researchers, policy experts, community representatives, and international organizations to discuss Arctic affairs. Topics include geopolitics, security, international cooperation, economic development, energy and natural resources, shipping and infrastructure, scientific research, environmental change, and issues affecting Arctic communities.

Learn about the INSTAAR measurement program & tour the radiocarbon & stable isotope labs. This is part of Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research’s (INSTAAR) 75th Anniversary seminars.

Hosted by the American Geophysical Union, the 2026 AGU Annual Meeting covers research across the Earth and space sciences. Its Arctic-focused sessions will feature research on sea ice, permafrost, glaciers, oceans, atmospheric conditions, ecosystems, and freshwater systems, as well as the broader effects of Arctic change.

The Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue (ASDD), hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, brings together military leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss security issues affecting the Arctic. The dialogue focuses on topics such as defense capabilities, homeland security, military readiness, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation among Arctic nations and allies. Through presentations, panel discussions, and working sessions, participants share information, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination on Arctic security and defense priorities.

Early registration for ASDD 2026 will open in June, and it is by invitation only. This event is not open to the media.  Due to the size constraints of the venue, early registration is encouraged. If you would like more information, please contact us at TSC-Engagements@groups.af.mil.

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka WhaleFest brings together scientists, educators, artists, conservation leaders, and community members to explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and coastal culture through public presentations, wildlife experiences, educational programming, and community events focused on the North Pacific environment.

SAVE THE DATE! The Joint (AC)3 - MOSAiC Conference 2027 (JAMC27) offers a forum for open, multi-disciplinary scientific exchange on the overarching theme of "Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic." The international polar research community is invited to present and discuss scientific results achieved over the past decade, including findings from (AC)3, MOSAiC, and other Arctic research activities. Conference goals are to synthesize recent advances, inform future research actions, and enhance societal uptake of research outcomes. Abstract submission will open in October 2026.

Hosted by the Arctic Council as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship program, the Arctic Biodiversity Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and other Arctic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation across the Arctic region. The summit is intended to serve as a strategic platform for advancing knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development, and helping transform scientific and Indigenous knowledge into action-oriented policy and conservation efforts focused on protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.