Arctic

The US military is expanding its presence in Greenland to monitor Chinese activity in the Arctic, turning the Danish autonomous territory into a strategic lookout. The move reflects growing concern in Washington over Beijing's ambitions in the polar north, a region where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to resources, and where China has sought a foothold in recent years.

The leaders of the United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security agreement covering Greenland, according to a breaking announcement. The deal would touch on the Arctic island's defence arrangements, an issue of renewed attention given Washington's strategic interest in Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty over the autonomous territory.

Peter Barrett, described as a legend of Antarctic science both in New Zealand and internationally, died over the weekend. Tributes describe him as someone who, in keeping with his character, left colleagues with a list of tasks and challenges to carry on. His contributions to Antarctic research and climate science are being widely remembered.

Donald Trump has signed a deal with Greenland giving the United States broad military authority on the island. The agreement was reported by CBS News and is being discussed as a significant step in Washington's defense posture in the Arctic. Details on the scope of the authority and Denmark's response remain limited so far.

New research highlighted by Newswise examines how radar technology could transform naval operations in the polar regions, as geopolitical competition over the Arctic intensifies. With melting sea ice opening new shipping routes and access to resources, nations are paying growing attention to surveillance and detection capabilities that can function in extreme polar conditions, where ice, cold and remoteness challenge conventional maritime systems.