International Polar Research Initiative Vital to Global Warming, Climate Research
The House Committee on Science’s Subcommittee on Research today heard from researchers and climate experts on the status of the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY).
The 2007-2008 IPY with be the fourth of its kind since 1882, and will serve as the premier international cooperative research effort focused on polar regions, which are harbingers of global environmental and climate change.
"It has become clear that understanding the physical mechanisms at work at the poles is important to understanding the evolution of global warming," said Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Darlene Hooley this morning. "This lends urgency to accelerate the research needed to unlock the secrets that control climate on a global scale."
The hearing provided an overview on the status of planning for, and the expected outcomes of, the IPY scheduled to begin in March 2007 and cover two polar seasons (through March 2009). The Subcommittee heard from expert witnesses including the U.S. representative to the international planning committee for the IPY, the NSF Director (NSF is the lead Federal agency for U.S. support for IPY activities), and polar researchers.
"Research results from the IPY initiative, and from other ongoing polar research, are important to help guide public policy choices surrounding the global warming debate. And of course, increased knowledge and understanding of changes in northern high latitudes is of even greater interest and concern for the people living there," added Rep. Hooley.
Dr. Kelly Kenison Falkner, a Professor of Oceanography with Oregon State University and long-time Arctic researcher noted, "One would have to be avoiding the popular media not to realize that the Arctic has been subject to some remarkable changes over the last few decades and that many of the changes appear to be linked and are accelerating."
Participation in the IPY affords the U.S. an opportunity to provide leadership and foster international collaboration in an effort to understand and document the nature of Arctic climate change, its link to our global climate system, and develop an action plan.
"As a mother, I am excited by the education efforts centered on the IPY that are aiming to bring fun into math and science so that we can get our kids on track and capable of competing in the global economy," added Dr. Falkner.
The main geographic focus for the upcoming IPY will be the Earth’s high latitudes. The two-year long study will attempt to accelerate research and environmental monitoring, improve the infrastructure supporting research in polar regions, and engage public attention in the value of polar research.
The Subcommittee will continue to monitor the progress of the IPY.
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