Svalbard ice melting

The glaciers on arctic Svalbard are melting faster than researchers believed and the pace has accelerated over the past five years.

Over 16 cubic kilometers of ice from the many Svalbard glaciers vanishes each year. At thei same time record summer temperatures have been measured in Longyearbyen, and snowfall has declined.
Svalbard is now a greater contributor to the world's rising sea level than we previously believed.

Polar bear chased from airport

A large, male polar bear came a bit too close for comfort at the main airport on Svalbard.

The polar bear found lounging next to the fenced-in airport was chased off with smoke bombs, part of an effort to keep the ever-present polar bears on Svalbard away from human settlements.
The polar bear, probably weighing around 400 kilos, didn't appear aggressive and was initially spotted by a local resident. The bear was lying just outside the airport's fence at the end of the runway Monday afternoon.
The polar bear must have been comfortable where he was, "because it was a bit difficult to get him up on his feet."
The polar bear finally got up and strolled away from the airport and the nearby town of Longyearbyen. It headed for the local fjord, jumped into the chilly waters and swam off.

Briton claims new Svalbard island

A British artist believes he has discovered a new island in arctic Svalbard. He claims sovereignty, and wants to create his own mini-state.
The retreat of arctic ice is constantly unveiling new land in the Svalbard archipelago. Alex Hartley has dubbed the new islet "Nymark" (new ground, uncharted territory) and has applied to the Governor of Svalbard to be recognized as the owner.
He will be the King and prime minister of a one-man state!!

Svalbard

Landscape
The name Svalbard means “cold coasts” and was first mention in Icelandic texts in the 12th century. The Svalbard Islands offer great, wild nature, old mines and polar bears. The Svalbard Islands are located between between 74° - 81° N and 10° - 35° E. They constitute 63 000 sq.km, and close to 65% of the surface of Svalbard consists of protected areas, including 3 nature reserves, 6 national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries and 1 geotopical protected area. The largest islands are Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Barentsøya, Edgeøya and Prins Karls Forland.
Norway is given sovereignty over Svalbard
Cities on Svalbard
Longyearbyen (Norwegian administrative centre) 1 700 inhabitants. the seat of local government and Norway’s main administrative centre on Svalbard. The small colourful community of approx. 1700 inhabitants has developed from being a typical mining company town into a modern community with different kinds of business and industry and with a wide range of cultural activities and opportunities.
Barentsburg (Russian mining community) 900 inhabitants.
Ny-Ålesund (Norw. international research centre) 40 inhabitants
Sveagruva (Norwegian mining community) 210 commuters.
Hornsund (Polish research station) 8 inhabitants

Infrastructure
There is no regular boat transportation between the mainland of Norway and Svalbard. The easiest way to get to Spitsbergen is by plane. Most of the year, there are daily flights from Oslo directly to Longyearbyen or through Tromsø. The airport is Svalbard Lufthavn, Longyear. There are no roads between the settlements.