The Arctic habitat where global heating threatens more ice, not less

Scientists are racing to study the North Water polynya between Canada and Greenland, a critical Arctic ecosystem facing disruption from climate change, amid a bold proposal for an Inuit-run protected area. The polynya, known as Pikialasorsuaq, supports diverse life from algae to whales, but warming threatens its stability as the Nares Strait ice arch fails more often. Canada designated its half as a marine protected area in March, while Greenland has delayed its commitment. Local Inuit like Terry Noah collect data for researchers, with plans to expand monitoring networks across the High Arctic. Scientists warn the polynya could collapse if the ice bridge disappears, drastically reducing regional productivity.