What happens when Arctic ice melts and forests lose protection?

What happens when Arctic ice melts and forests lose protection?

August 24, 2026 · 12 min

About this episode

This episode explores the implications of Arctic ice melting and the rollback of protections for U.S. forests, alongside discussions on extreme weather and unique scientific discoveries.

In this episode of Science Quickly, we examine a proposal to roll back protections for millions of acres of U.S. roadless forests, explore how climate change is opening a new Arctic shipping route and discuss new research suggesting that extreme weather can shape how Americans view their future. Plus, scientists uncover the secrets of shrew noses and narwhal tusks. Recommended Reading: How melting Arctic ice has created a new Silk Road Trump moves to end protections for 44 million acres of U.S. forests Extreme weather is making Americans feel powerless E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura, with fact-checking by Marielle Issa and Aaron Shattuck. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Jeff DelViscio

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Scientific American

Books & works: How melting Arctic ice has created a new Silk Road, Trump moves to end protections for 44 million acres of U.S. forests, Extreme weather is making Americans feel powerless

Places: Arctic, U.S.

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