Photo : High North News
Photo : High North News
CLIMATE CHANGE
Australia braces for wet spring as negative Indian Ocean Dipole strengthens
On 06 August, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the development of a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). IOD was a climate phenomenon that brings increased rainfall to Australia. This marks the first negative IOD event in three years. The IOD index had fallen to -0.6 degree Celsius, surpassing the threshold of -0.4 degree Celsius for the second consecutive week, indicating a well-established negative phase. The Bureau's modelling projected that these conditions would persist into early spring and remain until December, leading to a wetter than average spring across much of the country. Historical data suggests that previous negative IOD events have contributed to some of Australia's wettest winters and springs on record. (Tom Saunders, "Wet weather forecast for spring as Indian Ocean climate driver emerges," ABC News, 06 August 2025)
DEEP-SEA
Global coalition urges deep-sea mining moratorium to protect uncharted ecosystems
On 06 August, Earth.org reported that a coalition of 37 countries, Indigenous communities, scientists, and environmental organisations called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) approved 31 exploration contracts, with mining activities set to commence as early as 2026. Experts highlighted the severe environmental risks, including habitat degradation, sediment plumes, food web disruption, and the release of toxins and carbon reserves. The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition emphasised the need for comprehensive environmental assessments before proceeding with any mining activities. The call for a moratorium aimed to prevent irreversible ecological damage and ensure that deep-sea ecosystems are protected for future generations. (Rose Morrison, "Protecting Uncharted Ecosystems: Why We Need a Deep-Seabed Mining Moratorium," Earth.org, 06 August 2025)
Chinese expedition uncovers thriving deep-sea life at record depths
On 31 July, the BBC News reported that a Chinese-led research expedition discovered thriving communities of marine life in the northwest Pacific Ocean at depths of up to 9,533 metres. Using the submersible Fendouzhe, scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering filmed and photographed clams, tube worms, molluscs, and spiky shrimp-like creatures living in extreme darkness and pressure. The team covered more than 2,500 kilometres of ocean trenches and documented species never seen before. The findings, published in Nature, challenged long-standing assumptions about deep-sea life, revealing that entire ecosystems fueled by methane and hydrogen sulfide may be widespread. Researchers described the abundance of animals at such depths as “amazing.” (Victoria Gill, "'Communities' of strange, extreme life seen for first time in deep ocean," BBC News, 31 July 2025)
DEFENCE & SECURITY
NATO increases Arctic naval presence near Russia’s coast
On 04 August 2025, Euractiv reported that NATO intensified its military activity near Russia’s Arctic coastline by conducting naval exercises involving ships from the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Germany. The maneuvers took place in Arctic waters off northern Norway and the High North. It aimed to enhance alliance interoperability, monitor undersea activity, and secure critical infrastructure such as undersea cables connecting mainland Europe to Svalbard. A spokesperson for NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, Commander Arlo Abrahamson, stated that the operations were designed to deepen understanding of the maritime environment, strengthen information-sharing, and practice navigational coordination. The deployment formed part of NATO’s broader, periodic effort to maintain vigilance and readiness in the Arctic region. (Aurélie Pugnet, "NATO steps up presence near Russia’s Arctic coast," Euractiv, 04 August 2025)
ECOSYSTEMS
Great Barrier Reef records historic coral loss after ocean heatwave
On 06 August, a new assessment by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that two of the three regions of Australia's Great Barrier Reef experienced the largest single-year drop in coral cover since monitoring began 39 years ago. The survey, conducted between August 2024 and May 2025, found that the northern region's coral cover decreased from 29.8 per cent to 30 per cent, while the southern region saw a decline from 38.9 per cent to 26.9 per cent. The central region also experienced a drop from 33.2 per cent to 28.6 per cent. This significant loss was attributed to last year's unprecedented marine heatwave, marking the fifth mass coral bleaching event since 2016. Despite the declines, considerable coral cover remains across all three regions. (Martina Igini, "Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Sees Record Drop in Coral Cover After Ocean Heatwave," Earth.org, 06 August 2025)
FOREIGN POLICY
One Big Beautiful Bill Act boosts US Arctic icebreaking and military capabilities
On 04 July 2025, US President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law. This law was an expansive federal package that provided sweeping tax cuts and welfare rollbacks, while granting Alaska unique exemptions and Arctic-specific spending. The Act directed nearly USD 25 billion to the US Coast Guard, with close to USD nine billion allocated for strengthening Arctic operations. Funding included USD 4.3 billion for up to three heavy Polar Security Cutters, USD 3.5 billion for three Arctic Security Cutters, and USD 186 million for ten light and medium icebreaking vessels. The legislation also allocated billions toward Alaska’s military infrastructure, such as radar upgrades, housing, and ongoing support under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Additionally, it opened lease sales in federally protected Arctic areas like Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and increased royalties benefiting the state. ( Birgitte Annie Hansen, "What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Entails for the Arctic," High North News, 04 August 2025)
Greenland asserts “Work with us, not over us” at Arctic Summit
On 04 August, in the Arctic Encounter Summit held at Anchorage, Greenland's politicians emphasised that the future of Arctic governance must involve Greenland as an equal partner, not a passive subject. They conveyed that Greenland was open for collaboration,but not under decisions made “over us.” The message underscored Greenland’s growing foreign policy voice and its insistence on self-determination, even as other stakeholders convened from 27 countries. Greenland's MP Aaja Chemnitz Larsen invoked the motto “Nothing about us without us” to reaffirm that Greenland must have full agency over decisions affecting its land and people. The stance spotlighted a pivotal shift toward indigenous-led Arctic governance within international forums. (Birgitte Annie Hansen, "What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Entails for the Arctic," High North News, 04 August 2025)
India deepens Arctic energy ties with Russia amid US trade pressure
On 01 August, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov revealed that Russia was pursuing joint energy extraction projects with India in the Russian Far East and Arctic regions. This was built upon successful collaborations in hydrocarbon delivery,particularly in supplying oil to India. The announcement came during bilateral talks in Moscow, held amid rising US tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, imposed in response to India’s continued Russian oil purchases. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and mutual interest in expanding trade ties, covering energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. (Sitakanta Mishra, "India sets sail for Arctic waters with Russian partnership," Hindustan Times, 01 August 2025)