At the recent American Geophysical Union conference held in New Orleans from December 15 to 19, 2023, scientists expressed deep concerns regarding the future of Arctic research following significant federal funding cuts. Researchers from various institutions, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, highlighted how reduced financial support threatens vital observational programs critical for understanding climate change and its effects on the Arctic region.
Impact of Funding Cuts on Arctic Research
During a panel discussion, scientists like John Walsh and Hinzman addressed the implications of these funding reductions. Hinzman, who previously worked in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, described the current situation as “traumatic,” emphasizing that the cuts affect programs essential for conducting scientific research. He stated, “There are tremendous cuts to really important programs that are important to enable scientific research, to let us do a lot of the work that needs to be done.”
The significance of these programs extends beyond academia. The panelists noted that environmental observations are crucial for multiple facets of life, including food storage and sustainable resource management. Walsh pointed out that gaps in data from federal observational programs have already led to decreased accuracy in weather forecasting, exacerbating risks as Arctic coastlines become increasingly vulnerable to storms.
“With Arctic coastlines becoming increasingly vulnerable to storms as the open water season lengthens, the economic and societal benefits of forecast-based warnings of Arctic storms are becoming increasingly apparent,” Hinzman and Walsh stated.
Challenges to Collaboration and Local Engagement
Beyond funding issues, the current geopolitical landscape complicates international scientific collaborations. Bob McCoy, director of the Geophysical Institute at UAF, remarked on the stalled research partnerships with Russia following the war in Ukraine, noting that prior to the conflict, Alaska researchers had engaged closely with Russian scientists on various topics like permafrost and seismic activity. He emphasized, “That all came to a screeching halt.”
On a more positive note, collaborations with Greenland and Denmark are reportedly on the rise, providing some hope for ongoing scientific exchange. Furthermore, the panelists underscored the importance of working alongside Indigenous communities in Alaska’s Arctic. Laura Conner, interim vice chancellor for research at UAF, noted that integrating local knowledge into research is vital. “There are people that are living all over the state that have a lot of knowledge already,” she said, advocating for a combined approach to address pressing environmental questions.
In addition, Serina Wesen, outreach engagement manager at UIC Science, emphasized the daily impact of environmental changes on the livelihoods of Arctic residents. “This is affecting people’s livelihoods and ways of life, even just down to gathering food,” she explained. UIC Science researchers are actively collaborating with local elders to engage youth in understanding these changes and exploring how science can aid in adapting to them.
Despite the challenges, Hinzman remains optimistic about the future of polar research. He stated, “I do believe that the golden era of polar research is behind us, but it’s also in front of us,” urging the scientific community and society at large to recognize the critical importance of Arctic research.
The discussions at the conference reflect a broader urgency to secure funding and collaborative efforts to ensure the continued study and understanding of the Arctic environment, which remains at the forefront of global climate change discussions.
