Research, Observations, Monitoring and Modelling
The authors of the ACIA have made recommendations for additional research, observations, monitoring and modelling. It is of particular importance to focus on those research needs that play a significant role in developing and applying mitigation and adaptation measures.
Therefore, the SAOs recommend to Ministers that the Member States:
- Stress the importance of intensifying natural and social science research on impacts and adaptation, including studies to enhance understanding of fundamental processes and sustainability, procedures for integrating indigenous and local knowledge into scientific studies, and partnerships between indigenous peoples, local communities, and scientists in defining and conducting research and monitoring associated with Arctic climate and ultraviolet radiation changes.
- 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.
- Seek to expand and link circumpolar research and monitoring networks, including community-based networks, applying standardized methodologies focusing on year round observations of climate and ultraviolet radiation and their impacts on species and ecosystems, residents and communities, stressing seasonal variations. Given its international character and potential global significance, the Arctic ocean, its ice and atmosphere, are of special importance.
- Seek to ensure that relevant data from research, observation, monitoring and modelling activities are made available to local, national and international research and monitoring programmes.
- Recognize the need to consider how to conduct further studies of climate change within the Arctic region, especially through added focus on regional and climate variability, socio-economic impacts, vulnerabilities of Arctic human-environment systems, climate modelling, and use of historical and long-term data on climate variability.