Newsletter: Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from the editorial team: Commentator Arne O. Holm (top left), editor-in-chief Trine Jonassen (top right), research journalist and translator Birgitte Annie Hansen (bottom left), journalist Astri Edvardsen (in the tree) and journalist Hilde Bye (bottom right). (Photo: Markus J. Thonhaugen, High North Center/Private)
Dear reader. It might be a bit early for holiday greetings, but this is our final newsletter for the year, so we'll take the chance. This past week has been characterized by Denmark's brutal honesty in its perspective on the USA. We also have an interesting scientist profile and the latest climate research news.
First, some good news for the many who lost their jobs in the Northvolt bankruptcy in Northern Sweden. The EU is allocating several million euros to help them back into the workforce.
In fisheries, we can report that this year's calculations show small amounts of capelin in the Barents Sea. (Norwegian only)
And the Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission is still negotiating the quotas for next year. We will follow up with news on the matter.
The Center for High North Logistics has presented its summary of the summer and fall seasons of 2025 on Russia's Northern Sea Route, which concluded with 103 voyages totaling three million tonnes of cargo.
USA vs. Europe
Their message cannot be misunderstood: the USA is a threat to Europe.
In addition, the Norwegian government launched a 'plan for Norway' this week. Holm is not impressed, as the High North is mentioned only once in the 13-page document. (Norwegian only)
Climate research
US President Trump has appointed Tom Dans to lead the federal agency that advises the White House and Congress on America’s research activities in the Arctic.
And we have surprising news from Canada: a significant proportion of surveyed residents in the Canadian Arctic believe climate change was either caused by natural changes or that the scientific evidence was insufficient.
The Arctic Report Card is out, revealing record-low winter sea ice and temperatures.
In the Arctic Scientist Profiles, meet Norwegian Willy Østreng (84), who has spent five years on his impressive new book series, The Geopolitical Arctic Ocean.
Also, read about a new community for Arctic maritime partnerships. (Norwegian only)
Read about this and more at High North News. We will be taking a break from Monday, December 22nd, and will be back at work for the Arctic in January.
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all old, new, and loyal followers and readers for the support and commitment you have shown in the year that will soon be behind us. Without you, we are nothing.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season, and God Jul from Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen