Approved for Scoping: 2025

Lead BF Member: RCN

Estimated launch timeframe: 2027

Climate change is most profound in the Arctic. Changes in sea-ice extent, sea currents, water temperature, the permafrost, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems will have major implications for global, local and regional communities. Due to the very rapid Arctic changes and their implications for the global climate and weather patterns through complex interconnected processes, it is necessary to initiate Arctic research which can help close the knowledge gaps. This CRA aims at closing some of the knowledge gaps identified during the 2022-2026 process on the 4th International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV). Acknowledging the key role and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples about the changes in the Arctic, the CRA development will involve their active participation along with local peoples and scientists in a transdisciplinary approach. The CRA will contribute to the 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) in 2032-2033 in terms of key factors for ecosystem changes, co-production of knowledge from indigenous peoples and local people and different research disciplines, including informed governance. The overall focus of the CRA is the local, regional and global socio-economic implications and consequences of Arctic change, and more specifically, it will explore: Arctic to mid-latitude weather extremes, changes in terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. permafrost, geohazards, wildfires, land-use changes and erosion), Arctic regional governance in the light of global governance and security, environmental and cultural implications of Arctic economic development, national and international law, politics and stewardship related to Arctic change.