25 March 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Second Floor - 247
Organisers: Hyoung Chul Shin (Korea Polar Research Institute, Republic of Korea); Matthew Druckenmiller (University of Colorado Boulder, USA)
Session Description:
Last decade has seen far greater attention paid to the Arctic than ever before in the history. This has to do with the melt down of the Arctic and thus enhanced accessibility, which led to possible and actual engagement of stakeholders outside the Arctic. Observers’ research capacities especially from Asia are significant, apart from the enthusiasm that is also partly fueled by potential economic opportunities. The notion that science should form the basis both for environmental conservation and sustainable development is apparent in documented Arctic policies of Asian observer states, and this is evidenced by scientific investments and commitments. It will be remiss not to utilize these capabilities that can help to better understand the unprecedented high pace changes in the Arctic impacting the whole globe. Mapping Asian research capacities in spatial domains and by disciplines is warranted and will aid the analysis of the knowledge gaps that can be filled, the societal benefits to be gained and decreased risks. This session will also reflect upon the best way of coordination and cooperation to achieve it and examine outstanding challenges associated and future tasks. Partnerships needed, also with local and Indigenous communities, will be one of the foci of the consideration with some suggestions forwarded.