Polar Regions News Roundup W/C 6th May 2024

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Promoting better awareness of the Arctic and Antarctic

Polar Regions News

Your weekly Polar news roundup

Helping you stay informed of the latest developments in climate change, environmental conservation, scientific research, geopolitical dynamics, economic opportunities and indigenous rights in the Polar Regions.

6th May 2024

Ozone hole: Why Antarctic wildlife is being 'sunburnt’

A hole appears in the ozone layer above Antarctica every year

For Antarctic wildlife, exposure to the Sun's damaging rays has increased in recent years, scientists say.

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First case of walrus dying from bird flu recorded in Arctic

The first case of a walrus dying of bird flu has been recorded in on one of Norway’s Arctic islands. Photograph: Gerald Corsi/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Virus has already killed other mammals including sea lions and seals, while also taking toll on farm animals.

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Mystery behind huge opening in Antarctic sea ice solved

Antarctic sea ice. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have discovered the missing piece of the puzzle behind a rare opening in the sea ice around Antarctica, which was nearly twice the size of Wales and occurred during the winters of 2016 and 2017.

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New U.S sanctions take aim at Russian Arctic shipping

The Audax is one of the ice-class vessels now included in the U.S sanctions list against Russia. Photo: Novatek

Companies and ships engaged in supplies of components to Novatek's project Arctic LNG 2 are added to the U.S sanctions list.

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Airplane-Sized Seabird with Teeth Discovered in Antarctica

A relative of the giant seabird discovered, taken at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC by Ryan Somma

The remnants of a seabird the size of a small airplane (with teeth!) has been discovered on the Antarctic Island of Marambio.

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Have you read our latest Polar Notes article? See below for the most recent publication on the APPG Polar Regions website.

Polar Note: Antarctic Paintings by Polly Townsend - the Artist in Residence in Antarctica 2022

Polly Townsend's art studio on HMS Protector in the crow's nest
Polar Notes is a fortnightly feature, published by the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Polar Regions, looking at a current polar issue or topic of conversation in more depth.

Our newest article, authored by our APPG’s Research Specialist, Amy Gray, discusses the launch of the Antarctic Paintings exhibition by Polly Townsend (Artist in Residence in Antarctica 2022), highlighting the importance of art’s role in engaging with the public on polar issues and generating an emotive connection with the both the environment and our planet’s vulnerable frozen wildernesses.

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