arctic

Russian Flag on North Pole Seabed

Aug 3, 2007
Although Canada and the U.S., among other nations, are disputing Russia's claim to vast territory in the Arctic, Russia has planted its flag on the ocean floor at the North Pole. Why does it matter? Well, some 25 percent of the Earth's oil reserves might be at stake.

Russia Claims Much of Arctic

Jul 25, 2007
Russia is launching an underwater expedition to the North Pole in order to back up its claim to a massive section of the Arctic, which may contain vast energy reserves. "The Arctic is ours and we should demonstrate our presence," said a Russian parliamentarian and explorer who will participate in the flag-planting expedition.

Polar Bears Threatened

Dec 27, 2006
The Department of the Interior will recommend adding polar bears to the endangered species list, a rare acknowledgment by the Bush administration of the impact of global warming. The world's largest bears depend on ever-shrinking Arctic sea ice for their survival.
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Global Warming Slams Arctic

Dec 12, 2006
Last month Arctic sea ice shrunk by an area the size of Alaska when compared to historical averages, according to a new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research. By 2040, summer ice could disappear altogether.

The Globe Continues to Warm

Nov 17, 2006
Scientists have noted alarming trends in the arctic that continue to indicate a rise in global temperature, which could ultimately lead to catastrophe: "There have been regional warming periods before. Now we're seeing arctic-wide changes."

Ozone Pollution Is More Harmful Than Realized

Mar 15, 2006
Ozone, which had been considered a minor player in global climate change, is actually a major factor in the dramatic warming of the Arctic zone, according to NASA. Worse, scientists are reporting that climate change is "irreversible," as Arctic sea ice has failed to re-form for the second year in a row.

Senate Dems Block Arctic Refuge Drilling

Dec 21, 2005
The threat of a filibuster holds up as Republicans fail to get enough votes to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling Sen Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) tried to force the measure through Congress as part of a must-have defense spending bill See our coverage to find out what was at stake: Rep Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) filed a report after the House passed the measure earlier this week See the related story by Robert Collier and the photo essay by Deddeda Stemler to learn more.

Lives in the Balance

Dec 19, 2005
The Gwich'in people's way of life is at stake whenever oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is proposed. Award-winning photographer Deddeda Stemler chronicles their existence on the banks of the Porcupine River in the Yukon Territory.