AGP Executive Report

Cryosphere Warning: New ICCI–UNEP reports warn that crossing 1.5°C, even temporarily, could cause lasting damage to glaciers, permafrost and polar ice. Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are melting about six times faster than 30 years ago. Arctic Shipping: The Clean Arctic Alliance is urging the industry to cut black carbon and methane emissions with cleaner fuels, warning these pollutants have an outsized impact in the Arctic. Greenland Ice: Research on ancient soil beneath Greenland’s ice sheet suggests it was much smaller about 400,000 years ago, when temperatures were similar to today. Scientists also warn that thawing buried organic matter could release methane. Tourism Pressure: Ilulissat’s new international airport is intended to attract more visitors, but residents have raised concerns about impacts on the environment and whether tourism benefits local communities.

Ice at Risk: A new report from more than 80 scientists warns that even a brief overshoot of 1.5°C could cause centuries of damage to glaciers, ice sheets and permafrost. Greenland’s ice loss is part of the wider cryosphere threat, and every extra fraction of warming increases the risks. Tourism Pressure: Ilulissat’s new international airport promises more visitors and economic opportunities, but locals and conservationists worry about the strain on the town and its fragile Arctic surroundings. What Lies Beneath: Ancient plant remains found beneath Greenland’s ice sheet suggest it was far smaller about 400,000 years ago, when temperatures were similar to today’s—an unsettling glimpse of how much ice could be lost. Mining and Livelihoods: A proposed multibillion-dollar mine has put Greenland’s sheep farms in the spotlight, sharpening questions about how resource development could affect local livelihoods and the environment.

Tourism and Nature: Ilulissat’s new international airport is meant to grow tourism, but the influx could put pressure on the fragile Icefjord region, where some residents already question who benefits. Mining Pressures: Amaroq has advanced plans for a Maarmorilik mine and submitted terms for environmental and social reviews; a separate report highlights fears that a major mine could threaten southern Greenland’s sheep farms. Ice and Sea-Level Risk: New research on ancient soil beneath Greenland’s ice sheet suggests the ice was much smaller around 400,000 years ago, when temperatures were similar to today’s. Global cryosphere reports also warn that substantial ice loss is already locked in, even if warming is limited to 1.5°C. Ocean Circulation: Scientists warn that Greenland meltwater and ocean warming could add to the risk of a weakened Atlantic circulation, with far-reaching climate effects.

Ice-Sheet Warning: Soil beneath Greenland’s ice, recovered from a Cold War-era drilling site, shows the ice sheet was much smaller about 400,000 years ago, when temperatures were similar to today’s. Researchers warn that continued warming could put today’s ice at risk and drive major sea-level rise. Mining Pressure: Amaroq plans to advance development in the Maarmorilik area after reporting high-grade mineral finds; its project terms of reference have been submitted, starting the environmental and social review process. Climate Overshoot: A UN report warns that prolonged warming above 1.5°C could cause lasting damage to snow and ice, with severe consequences for the cryosphere. Tourism and Fragile Landscapes: Ilulissat’s new international airport promises easier access to the iceberg-rich region, but a surge in visitors could add pressure to its delicate Arctic environment. Sheep Farms at Risk: In southern Greenland, farmers fear a proposed multibillion-dollar mine could threaten long-established sheep-farming communities and their landscapes.

Ice and Climate: Scientists warn that overshooting 1.5°C could cause lasting damage to the world’s ice and snow, strengthening calls to limit any period of higher warming. Greenland’s ice sheet has also shrunk for a 30th consecutive year, according to coverage this week. Tourism Pressure: Ilulissat’s new international airport opens the iceberg town to direct flights from Copenhagen. Supporters see a boost for Greenland’s economy, but the arrival of more visitors could put pressure on its fragile Arctic landscape. Arctic Oil Policy: A draft EU strategy drops language opposing new Arctic drilling, raising questions about how firmly the bloc will defend the region’s ecosystems. Mining and Sheep Farms: Southern Greenland’s sheep farmers face a fight over a multibillion-dollar mine, putting local livelihoods and the environment at the heart of a development dispute.

Tourism and Fragile Landscapes: Ilulissat’s new international airport brings direct flights from Copenhagen and could draw more visitors to the iceberg-rich region. The opening has raised concerns about pressure on its fragile Arctic environment. Land Use: A multibillion-dollar mine is adding pressure on southern Greenland’s sheep farms, where livelihoods are closely tied to the land. Ice Sheet: Greenland’s ice sheet has shrunk for a 30th consecutive year, underscoring the island’s continuing climate change.

Tourism and Icefjord: Ilulissat’s new international airport is intended to bring more visitors to Greenland and diversify its fishing-dependent economy. The tourism push reaches a town beside the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay. Mining Pressure: Southern Greenland’s sheep farms face a potential threat from a multibillion-dollar mine, raising concerns for communities and landscapes tied to farming. Ice Loss: A new study suggests Arctic winter sea ice could shrink by about 1 million square kilometres more than models predict. Greenland’s ice sheet, meanwhile, has reportedly shrunk for a 30th consecutive year.

Mining and Rural Life: A proposed multibillion-dollar mine is putting southern Greenland’s sheep-farming communities under pressure, sharpening questions about the costs of mining in a region where livelihoods are closely tied to the land. Tourism and the Arctic: Ilulissat’s new international airport is part of a push to grow tourism and diversify Greenland’s economy. More visitors could bring opportunity, but also raise questions about development in a fragile Arctic environment. Sea-Ice Outlook: A study using algae fossils from 6,000 years ago suggests Arctic winter sea ice could be about one million square kilometres smaller in coming decades than climate models predict. Greenland Ice Sheet: A report says the ice sheet has shrunk for a 30th consecutive year, underscoring the sustained changes affecting Greenland’s climate.

Tourism and the Arctic: Ilulissat’s new international airport has welcomed its first direct Copenhagen flight, opening a faster route for visitors and a chance to diversify Greenland’s fishing-dependent economy. Greenland’s leaders see economic strength as part of the path to independence, but the tourism push raises questions about protecting local communities and fragile wilderness. Ice and Climate: A study using algae fossils suggests Arctic winter sea ice could be about one million square kilometres smaller in coming decades than models projected. Greenland’s ice sheet, meanwhile, has reportedly shrunk for a 30th consecutive year.

Polar Bear Safety: Researchers are testing AI-enabled “Bear-vision” cameras at a Churchill waste site to warn people when bears approach. The system aims to offer a cheaper, more accessible alert as bears spend longer onshore. Arctic Sea Ice: A study using algae fossils from 6,000 years ago suggests Arctic winter sea ice could be about 1 million square kilometres smaller in coming decades than climate models project. Greenland Tourism: Ilulissat’s new airport is set to bring direct flights from Copenhagen, opening the Icefjord to more visitors. The change could boost tourism, but also raises questions about protecting Arctic wilderness and keeping development in Greenlandic hands. Greenland Ice Sheet: A new report says the ice sheet shrank for the 30th year in a row.

Arctic Sea Ice: Chemical traces from algae that lived in Arctic sea ice 6,000 years ago suggest models may overestimate future winter ice by about 1 million square kilometres. The finding follows record-low winter peaks in 2025 and 2026. Greenland Ice Sheet: Greenland lost about 135 billion tonnes of ice in the year to August, marking its 30th consecutive year of net loss—even after a relatively cool summer. Arctic Climate: Two decades of measurements point to three distinct Arctic atmospheric zones, each responding differently to warming and cloud formation. Ice-Shelf Warning: A vast ancient shelf in Baffin Bay once helped hold back Greenland and Canadian ice sheets; researchers say its collapse was likely followed by rapid retreat, offering lessons for Antarctica. Wildlife Refuge: The Last Ice Area north of Greenland and Canada may shelter ice-dependent wildlife and support Inuit communities, but its future relies on sea ice transported from far beyond the region.

Arctic Policy: The EU’s new Arctic strategy gives security more weight and climate change less: the strategy mentions security 52 times, up from 23 in 2021, while climate references fall from 30 to 14. Greenland Ice Loss: Greenland’s ice sheet lost about 135 billion tonnes in the year to August, marking its 30th straight year of net ice loss—even without an unusually warm summer. Oil Drilling: Greenland Energy Company is targeting exploratory drilling in eastern Greenland in 2027. The project still needs environmental and social impact approvals; Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licences in 2021. Ice Refuges: A WWF account warns that the Last Ice Area north of Greenland and Canada depends on ice carried in from distant parts of the Arctic, leaving this expected refuge for wildlife and Inuit communities vulnerable to changes far beyond its borders. Baffin Bay: Research on an ancient ice shelf between Greenland and Canada suggests its collapse helped trigger rapid retreat of nearby ice sheets—a warning about the role floating shelves can play in stabilizing glaciers.

EU Arctic Policy: The bloc’s new strategy gives security far more weight than climate action: references to security more than doubled from 2021, while mentions of climate change halved. Greenland Ice Loss: The ice sheet lost about 135 billion tonnes in the year to August, marking its 30th consecutive year of net ice loss—even without an unusually warm summer. Oil Exploration: Greenland Energy Company says it plans exploratory drilling in eastern Greenland’s Jameson Land Basin in 2027. The project relies on existing permits, but still needs environmental and social approvals; Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licences in 2021. Mining and Conservation: Greenland has moved to suspend seabed mining until 2029, a pause that could limit pressure on marine ecosystems while the island weighs resource development.

Emissions: The U.S. is ending a Biden-era rule to curb methane from oil and gas drilling, a rollback announced alongside claims it will save $45 billion and unlock more production. Greenland Ice: The ice sheet lost about 135 billion tonnes in the year to August, marking its 30th consecutive year of losses despite a relatively cool start to summer. Ice-Sheet Stability: New research finds a vast ancient ice shelf in Baffin Bay helped hold back Greenland and nearby ice sheets; its collapse was followed by rapid retreat, offering clues to the risks facing today’s glaciers. Arctic Habitat: The Last Ice Area north of Greenland and Canada may retain sea ice longer than other regions, but depends on ice carried from far away—and provides a vital refuge for wildlife and Inuit communities. Oil Drilling: A U.S. company is targeting exploratory drilling in eastern Greenland in 2027. Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licences in 2021, and the project still needs environmental and social impact approvals.

Greenland Ice Loss: The ice sheet lost about 135 billion tonnes in the year to August 2026, marking its 30th consecutive year of net decline—even after a relatively cool start to summer. Oil Drilling Plans: Greenland Energy Company is targeting exploratory drilling in eastern Greenland in 2027, but the project still needs environmental and social impact approvals. Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licences in 2021 over environmental concerns. Arctic Protection: The Last Ice Area north of Canada and Greenland could shelter ice-dependent wildlife and support Inuit livelihoods, but its survival depends on sea ice carried from across the Arctic. WWF says protecting it requires governance that accounts for those far-reaching connections.

Arctic Emissions: Nordic environmental groups are urging governments to back measures to cut black carbon from Arctic shipping, which contributes to melting sea ice and the Greenland ice sheet. Sea Ice: New research suggests the Arctic could lose about one million square kilometres more winter sea ice than earlier projections indicated. Greenland’s Resources: Greenland is moving to suspend seabed mining until 2029, while a company says it is seeking permits to drill an exploratory oil well in East Greenland in 2027. Ice and Wildlife: Research indicates Greenland’s Camp Century was ice-free during warmer summers in the past. Separately, avian influenza antibodies were found in 23% of sampled East Greenland polar bears in 2025, showing the virus has reached Arctic wildlife.