Today, March 1, marks the launch of International Polar Year (IPY), a major scientific research initiative that will comprehensively explore the earth's Arctic and Antarctic regions. During the next two years, thousands of scientists from over sixty countries will study physical, biological, and social aspects of polar ecosystems, with particular concern for the impacts of global warming. The over 200 currently planned research projects will be coupled with outreach and education activities designed to communicate scientific findings to the public.
Research Goals
In addition to assessing the effects of climate change on polar regions, IPY scientists will explore the social and environmental implications of these changes for societies worldwide. For the first time (three previous polar years have taken place), IPY will also be concerned with the important linkages between Arctic residents, which currently number approximately 4 million people, and their environment.
The international coordination and unifying framework of IPY affords a unique opportunity for research collaboration and outreach as scientists work towards gaining an improved understanding of global climate system interactions.
Sponsors
International Polar Year is co-sponsored by the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Projects will continue through 2009 in order to capture a full summer and winter in both hemispheres. In support of IPY, this year's theme for the United Nations Environment Programme's World Environment Day (June 5, 2007) will be "Melting Ice - a Hot Topic?"
RELATED LINKS:
IPY U.S. sites: www.us-ipy.org and www.us-ipy.gov
IPY Eurasian Arctic Sub-office
National Academies Polar Research Board
National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment
World Environment Day 2007: Melting Ice - A Hot Topic?
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: Polar Systems (pdf)
United Nations Environment Programme Key Polar Centre
EarthTrends
News Post: New Glacier Data Show Continued Melting Worldwide
