As the International Polar Year is coming to a close, many researchers wonder about the future of their research. This large scientific program placed significant resources on research focused on the Arctic and Antarctic from March 2007 through March 2009. Canada alone provided $150 million in funding for research and fieldwork, and the scientists involved are wondering how to prolong their observations of the effect of rising temperatures on this remote but critical region of the world.
A study produced by the government’s Canadian Polar Commission called for a 25-year plan and $25 million to set up a pan-northern network of about 12 major research stations from Labrador to the Yukon. And the government-funded think-tank Council of Canadian Academies published a report in November calling for a High Arctic research station to focus on environmental science and stewardship and climate change, in addition to sustainable resource development and promoting healthy and sustainable communities, leaving some hope that future research might have a home base.
For more details, read this CBC News report.
