Strengthening Science to Respond to a Rapidly Changing Arctic
A U.S. House Science and Technology Committee Hearing will take place at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC and online via Zoom.
With the Arctic warming two to four times faster than the rest of the planet, the purpose of this hearing is to discuss the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026, which is informed by the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. The hearing will explore gaps in research and analysis, needed improvements to federal science capabilities, research vessels and infrastructure, and barriers to strengthening our response to local and global climate change impacts, such as carbon and methane emissions released from permafrost thaw. Additionally, this hearing will discuss gaps in Arctic system monitoring, observing, modeling, and prediction efforts. Importantly, this hearing will examine the role of traditional knowledge holders and equitable practices in the coproduction of research, especially in critical areas such as food security and biodiversity. Finally, the hearing will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions on science diplomacy in the Arctic and challenges for future international collaboration in key research including boreal forest fires, sea ice melt and land ice loss, particularly the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Witnesses:
- Dr. Larry Hinzman, Assistant Director of Polar Sciences, Office of Science and Technology Policy and Executive Director, Interagency Arctic Research and Policy Committee
- Dr. Mike Sfraga, Chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commission
- Ms. Vera Kingeekuk Metcalf, Executive Director, Eskimo Walrus Commission
- Dr. Susan Natali, Arctic Program Director, Woodwell Climate Research Center
Overarching Questions:
- How did IARPC identify the priorities in the latest 5-year research plan? Why is the two-year implementation plan necessary? What discussions are taking place to consider longer-term research planning for the Arctic?
- What outstanding research questions remain to be answered to improve our understanding of climate change impacts in the Arctic? What research infrastructure, vessels, capabilities, and partnerships are necessary to support this work? What is the status of the U.S. Arctic Observing Network?
- What guidelines exist to help researchers improve communication and collaboration in Arctic communities when carrying out field work? How is the science community addressing barriers to coproduction of knowledge?
- How are geopolitical tensions from Russia’s war on Ukraine impacting domestic Arctic research under IARPC and international research through the Arctic Council? What are the future considerations for scientific collaboration in the Arctic?