Photo : RSC Publishing
Photo : RSC Publishing
ANTARCTICA
Chile produces green hydrogen at its Antarctic research base
On 18 August, Quantum Commodity Intelligence reported that the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) developed a hybrid system to generate green hydrogen on-site to power its Antarctic base. It would replace diesel generators with sustainable renewable sources. The system combined wind and solar energy, along with battery storage. This was to produce clean hydrogen directly where it was needed in the harsh polar environment. It marked a strategic shift toward energy independence and environmental responsibility in Antarctica. The innovation aimed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimising logistical complexities and ecological risks associated with diesel transport and spills. By integrating renewable generation with hydrogen production and storage, Chile showcased a concrete step toward decarbonising operations in remote polar regions. It also promoted sustainable scientific research infrastructure. ("Chile develops system to produce green hydrogen at Antarctic base," Quantum Commodity Intelligence, 18 August 2025)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Arctic heat wave melts one per cent of Svalbard’s ice
On 18 August, New Scientist reported that during a six-week heatwave in summer 2024, Svalbard experienced record-breaking temperatures that caused approximately 61.7 gigatonnes of glacier ice to melt. It was equivalent to one per cent of the region’s total ice mass. That meltwater contributed 0.16 millimetres to global sea-level rise, rising to 0.27 millimetres when adjacent areas were included. Sea surface temperatures in the Barents and Norwegian Seas were 3.5 to 5 degree Celsius above the 1991–2020 average. Researchers warned that such extreme melting could become common within decades, with 2024 providing a preview of typical Arctic summer conditions in 2100. The findings underscored the potential for accelerated glacier loss across the Arctic under warming climate scenarios. (Michael Le Page, "Unprecedented Arctic heatwave melted 1 per cent of Svalbard's ice," New Scientist, 18 August 2025)
Arctic glaciers face terminal decline as microbes accelerate melting
On 18 August, scientists in Svalbard reported that Arctic glaciers entered a “terminal” decline as warming-driven microbial activity accelerated ice melt. Researchers highlighted how cold-adapted microbes present in snow and ice ecosystems produced dark pigments. The also highlighted the trapped debris-causing “biological darkening” that increased heat absorption and melting on glacier surfaces. While some microbial communities appeared to reduce methane emissions. Most of them contributed to positive feedback loops by expanding “biologically darkened” zones visible from space, significantly enhancing runoff. The changes occurred in a region warming seven times faster than the global average. Glacier ecologist Dr Arwyn Edwards stressed the urgency of better understanding these fragile ecosystems before they were lost. He also noted that melting threatened microbial diversity, freshwater supplies, and broader climate stability. (Michael Le Page, "Unprecedented Arctic heatwave melted 1 per cent of Svalbard's ice," The Guardian, 18 August 2025)
Nordic regions record unprecedented Arctic-proximate heatwaves
On 18 August, CNN reported that during summer 2025, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Arctic regions such as Lapland experienced a record-breaking heatwave. It was made at least ten times more likely and 2 degree Celsius hotter by human-induced climate change. Finland experienced a record-setting 22 consecutive days above 30 degree Celsius, while Sweden recorded ten consecutive tropical nights. The extreme heat caused hospitals to overheat and postpone surgeries. It triggered deadly wildfires and toxic algal blooms and resulted in increased drownings as people sought relief in lakes. Reindeer fled to shaded urban areas. The event highlighted the amplified impact of global warming in northern regions. It showed infrastructure and ecosystems were unprepared for such unprecedented high temperatures. (Andrew Freedman, "There’s no such thing as a ‘coolcation’ — you’ll be sweating buckets on your Arctic getaway," CNN, 18 August 2025)
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Scientists retrieve Antarctic seabed mud to study climate and ocean history
On 19 August, BBC reported that an international team of researchers collected more than 40 long cores of seabed sediment from the Antarctic Peninsula earlier in 2025. They were collected using a ship-tethered coring drill that reached depths up to 500 metres. The samples were frozen and transported to the University of Barcelona, then distributed to institutions worldwide. Scientists planned to analyse microbial life, carbon storage, and pollution levels, while also using environmental DNA to trace how nearly a century of industrial whaling affected marine ecosystems and carbon cycling. The work formed part of the Convex Seascape Survey, a global mission to link ocean processes with climate history. Findings were expected to reveal how Antarctic ecosystems and whale populations influenced carbon storage and climate regulation. (Victoria Gill, "Why scientists hope seabed mud could reveal Antarctic Ocean secrets," BBC, 19 August 2025)
SHIPPING
Germany docks supply vessel in Nuuk ahead of Arctic solidarity visit
On 18 August, Germany docked its large naval supply ship named Berlin, at Nuuk, Greenland, marking the first-ever port call of a German navy vessel in the territory. The 175 metres ship carried fuel, medical facilities, and two helicopters. It was set to participate in Arctic naval exercises later that month. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the visit as a clear signal of European solidarity and growing focus on Greenland. Germany also planned to join NATO-aligned security operations in the area, including Arctic defence collaborations with Denmark, Canada, and Norway. (Magnus Lund Nielsen, "Berlin docks in Greenland ahead of Pistorius arctic solidarity trip," Euractiv, 18 August 2025)