Canadian Coordination in Support of Sustained Observations of Arctic Change

Abstract

Over the past two decades, scientists, advocates, and communities have put considerable international effort into the development of a sustained Arctic observing system that can sufficiently monitor ongoing environmental and socio-economic change. Advances are slow due in part to a lack of nation-level coordination, with Canada being no exception. Canada needs a coordinated national strategy in support of sustained Arctic observations that will benefit all Canadians and the broader global community, advance Arctic system understanding, and support management and mitigation of the impacts of rapid Arctic transformation. This paper lays out a proposed framework for a coordinated national initiative in support of sustained Arctic observing that includes cross-sector and Indigenous co-developed and co-executed plan, plus an implementation strategy. Recommendations include: 1) establishing national teams (for observing, data, and infrastructure) to effectively deliver on our international obligations related to Arctic research, 2) supporting data sharing, and 3) ensuring sustained observations while also providing observational data and information in support of societal needs within Canada, including many identified in the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and the National Inuit Strategy on Research.