ACIA policy
Ministers of the Arctic Council meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland in November 2004 addressed the matter of Arctic climate change and variability as follows:
Welcome with appreciation the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) and the scientific work completed in evaluating and synthesizing knowledge on climate variability and change and increased ultraviolet radiation in the Arctic,
Note with concern the impacts documented by the ACIA that are already felt throughout the region. Climate change, and other stressors, presents a range of challenges for Arctic residents, including indigenous peoples, as well as risks to Arctic species and ecosystems,
Recognize that the Arctic climate is a critical component of the global climate system with worldwide implications,
Note the findings of the ACIA with respect to climate change and acknowledge that such findings, as well as the underlying scientific assessment, will help inform governments as they implement and consider future policies on global climate change,
Endorse the ACIA policy recommendations for mitigation, adaptation, research, monitoring and outreach contained in the SAO Report to Ministers,
Acknowledge the need to consider the findings of the ACIA and other relevant studies in implementing their commitments under the UNFCCC and other agreements, including through adoption of climate change mitigation strategies across relevant sectors,
Encourage Member States to take effective measures to adapt to and manage the environmental, economic and social impacts of climate change and ultraviolet radiation, inter alia through enhancing the access of Arctic residents to information, decision makers and institutional capacity building,
Encourage relevant national and international research bodies and sponsors to take into account the ACIA science recommendations in the planning, development and implementation of their programmes,
Decide to promote global, national and local awareness of the ACIA and any follow up activities through appropriate outreach activities,
Acknowledge the need to further organize the work of the Arctic Council and its subsidiary bodies based on the findings of the ACIA and direct the SAOs to report on the progress made at the 2006 Ministerial Meeting.