1 Polar Research Board A Vision for International Polar Year 2007-08 A Vision for International Polar Year 2007-08 Chris Elfring, Director

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIESAdvisors to the Nation on Science, Engineering, and Medicine

1 Polar Research Boardwww.nas.edu/prb

A Vision forInternational Polar Year 2007-08

A Vision forInternational Polar Year 2007-08

Chris Elfring, DirectorPolar Research Board

The National Academies www.us-ipy.org



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History of the “International Year” Concept

1882-1883: 1st International Polar Year 11 nations, moving beyond exploration to science,

first coordinated international science

1932-1933: 2nd International Polar Year 40 nations, meteorology, magnetism, radio science

1957-1958: International Geophysical Year 67 nations, global focus on geosciences and applying WWII technologies

2007-2007: 3rd International Polar Year Broad interdisciplinary focus, with emphasis on

environmental change, including human dimensions


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Evolution of IPY 2007-2008

Early discussions and PRB Forum - 2002 USA-UK IPY discussions - early 2003 ICSU forms IPY Planning Group - March 2003

Invites nations to participate Outlines IPY concept Drafts and circulates outline science plan Delivers “Framework” report to ICSU

US National Committee - Aug 2003 Encourages community input at conferences & web Nurtures agency involvement Articulates overarching IPY science issues in A Vision for

the IPY 2007-8 (NRC 2004) Hosts Interagency IPY Implementation Workshop in July

2004 and produces workshop report Continues role in coordination and communication


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IPY Concept

An intense, internationally coordinated campaign of polar observations, research and analysis that will further our understanding of physical and social processes in polar regions, examine their globally-connected role in the climate system, and establish research infrastructure for the future.

The IPY will galvanize new and innovative observations and research while building on and enhancing existing relevant initiatives.

Timeframe: 1 March 2007 – 1 March 2009


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Why International?

The polar regions play key roles in global processes that affect all nations

The science challenges exceed the capability of any one nation

A coordinated approach maximizes outcomes

International collaboration shares the benefits and builds common understanding


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Why a “Year”? Intensive burst of effort will accelerate progress

and initiate activities that couldn’t be done otherwise

Intensive investigations will lay groundwork for sustained assessments of environmental change and variability

Provides opportunity for observations at both polar regions over all seasons

Resulting enhanced infrastructure and observing systems will provide improved foundation for ongoing science


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Why 2007-2008?

Pressing need to understand change in the polar regions

Anniversary of past IPYs and IGY provides a firm deadline

Planning horizon is challenging but feasible

New advances in technology and logistics provide ways to address new issues and access new areas


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ICSU Leads First International Planning

Open process 30+ countries involved to date Over 20 National Committees formed 450+ research ideas

Individuals National committees International organizations

Social Science - Physical Science Dialog Produces Outline Science Plan and IPY

Framework Document


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Participating Nations(as of late 2004)

Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Canada Chile China Denmark Finland France Germany India

Ireland Italy Japan Russia South Africa Sweden Switzerland Netherlands New Zealand Norway United Kingdom United States of America


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ICSU Framework for IPY

ICSU Framework Report includes: Science themes (6) Observational initiatives (6) Data management Education, outreach and communication Organizational structure IPY Criteria Suggested implementation process

New Joint Committee of ICSU-WMO now formed to continue international planning (March 7-11, 2005 in Paris)


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ICSU IPY Themes1. Determine environmental status of polar regions by

quantifying spatial and temporal variability.2. Quantify past and present environmental and human

change in the polar regions3. Advance understanding of polar - global teleconnections

on all scales and processes controlling these interactions4. Investigate the unknowns at the frontiers of science in the

polar regions.5. Use the unique vantage point of the polar regions to

develop and enhance observations on Earth and beyond (Earth's inner core, magnetic field, the Sun and beyond)

6. Investigate cultural, historical, and social processes that shape the resilience and sustainability of circumpolar human societies and identify their contributions to global cultural diversity and citizenship.


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ICSU Observational Initiatives1. Produce synoptic set of multidisciplinary observations

to establish the status of the polar environment in 2007-2008

2. Acquire key data sets necessary to understand factors controlling change in the polar environment

3. Establish a legacy of multidisciplinary observational networks

4. Serve as launch of internationally coordinated, multidisciplinary expeditions into new scientific frontiers

5. Help implement polar observatories to study important facets of Planet Earth and beyond

6. Create datasets on the changing conditions of circumpolar human societies from the First IPY 1882-83 to the present


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ICSU IPY Criteria1. Makes significant advances within one or more IPY themes2. Involves at least one polar region and takes place in timeframe3. Contributes to international collaboration 4. A viable management plan and organisational structure5. A viable approach for securing funding6. A viable plan for securing appropriate logistical support 7. Agrees to the principles of IPY data management and proposes a

viable data management plan8. A viable plan or approach for education, outreach and

communication activities9. Foster the next generation of polar researchers10. Provides opportunity for a legacy (observation sites, facilities,

systems)11. Builds on existing plans and initiatives or at least does not conflict12. Has interdisciplinary elements (team, project etc.)13. Is “endorsed” by one or more National Committees


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Why The National Academies?

President Lincoln established the National Academy of Sciences as an independent scientific advisor to the nation.

The NAS is the adhering US organization to ICSU.


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US National Committee for IPY2003-2005

Mary Albert, Chair, ERDC CRREL

Cecilia Bitz, Washington

John Kelley, Alaska-Fairbanks

Douglas Wiens, Washington at St. Louis

Igor Krupnik, Smithsonian Institution

Louis Lanzerotti, Bell Labs/Lucent Technologies

Philip Smith, McGeary & Smith

Jerry Bowen, CBS News

Richard Glenn, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

George Somero, Stanford

Cristina Takacs-Vesbach, New Mexico

Robert Bindschadler, NASA - GSFC

David Bromwich, Ohio State

Gunter Weller, Alaska-Fairbanks

Jacqueline Grebmeier, Tennessee

Peter Schlosser, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Chuck Kennicutt (Ex-officio) Texas A&M

Terry Wilson (Ex-officio) Ohio State

Patrick Webber (Ex-officio) Michigan State

Robin Bell (Ex-officio) Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory


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US National CommitteeGuides US Planning

Outreach to science communities Outreach to agencies Strong influence on international planning Open and inclusive planning process Delivery of “Vision Report” Organization of agency implementation

workshop and delivery of workshop report Continued activities to engage people and

ensure that IPY is a success


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Vision Report Available

Free PDF copies of the Vision report and Workshop report are available at:

www.us-ipy.org or

http://www.nap.edu

http://www.us-ipy.org/


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US Goals During IPYFrom

“A Vision for the IPY 2007-2008”

Assess large-scale environmental change

Explore scientific frontiers in the polar regions

Develop observing networks

Understand human-environment dynamics

Create new connections between science and the public


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Provide a comprehensive assessment of polar environmental changes

Encourage interdisciplinary studies and the development of models

NRC report recommendation 1:

Initiate a sustained effort to assess large-scale environmental change and variability in

the polar regions


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Include studies of coupled human-natural systems critical to societal, economic, and

strategic interests

Examine role of the polar regions in globally linked systems

Investigate physical-chemical-biological interactions

Examine the effects of polar environmental change on the human-built environment


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Explore new scientific frontiers from the molecular to the planetary scale

Involve multidisciplinary studies of biological communities; oceanographic processes; the Earth’s deep interior; and sun-earth connections

Apply new knowledge gained from exploration to questions of societal importance

Invest in new capabilities essential to support interdisciplinary exploration at the poles


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Design multidisciplinary polar observing networks that provide a long-term perspective

Establish integrated multidisciplinary observing networks that employ new sensing technologies and data assimilation

Conduct an internationally coordinated “snapshot” of the polar regions using all available satellite sensors


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Invest in critical infrastructure and technology to guarantee enduring benefits

Ensure the long-term availability of assets necessary to support science in the polar regions

Encourage development of innovative technologies (UAVs, AUVs, etc.)

Develop advanced communications systems Establish international data standards,

policies, and procedures Train the next generation of scientists,

engineers, and leaders


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Develop programs in education and outreach that build on the inherent public interest

Create opportunities for education, training, and outreach for all age groups and build on successful existing models


Create new connections between science and the public


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Participate as leaders in International Polar Year 2007-2008

Use the IPY to build long-lasting partnerships across national borders

Capitalize on existing agency missions and create new opportunities

Provide mechanisms for individuals, early-career researchers, and small teams to contribute to IPY


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The Avalanche Model:Success Requires Broad Participation

Scientists and Engineers Universities Agencies US National Committee ICSU-WMO Joint Planning

Committee

Foundations Educators Media Private sector Scouting groups Communities

Early recognition – there is no one “lead” on IPY, but many equally important parts


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NAS Hosts Federal AgencyWorkshop & Info Sessions

NSF (designated by the White House as the lead federal agency)

NOAA NASA USGS NIH EPA

DoDDoIDoEState DeptOSTPSmithsonianDHS-USCG

…to inform and engage agencies so they find ways for IPY to serve their needs while meeting IPY goals. Participants so far have included:


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What Can You Do?

Find ways to get all the necessary “avalanche” participants engaged asap

Work with colleagues in science and agencies to plan activities, increase awareness and move toward implementation

Form international partnerships and help nurture national and international funding sources and logistics coordination

Follow guidance from ICSU-WMO Joint Committee (preliminary Expression of Interest) at www.ipy.org

Check www.us-ipy.org for US IPY information

Commit to making something happen!

http://www.ipy.org/

http://www.us-ipy.org/


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For More Information

www.us-ipy.org

www.ipy.org

www.national-academies.org/prb

Chris Elfring c/o [email protected]

Chris Elfring, Polar Research Board

The National Academies

500 Fifth Street NW

Washington DC 20001

202 334 3479

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

1 Polar Research Board A Vision for International Polar Year 2007-08 A Vision for International Polar Year 2007-08 Chris Elfring, Director