Examining scientifically the land-ocean-atmospheric feedbacks coming from Arctic ecosystems is crucial to detect the consequences of climate change. Since 2023, this has been the core mission of the Arena for the Gap Analysis of the Existing Arctic Science Co-Operations (AASCO), a pioneering project supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in partnership with the University of Helsinki (Finland).
During its three years of operation, participants focused on collecting data to fill in the gap of scientific findings and federating academic researchers around a more holistic vision addressed to finding solutions on an agreed basis between experts and institutions, notably the European Commission. Last but not least, partners worked together to build up an open-data platform aimed at providing updated information to be used by researchers and decision makers in the light of rapid geopolitical changes.
On the 4th February 2025, Monaco hosted a key AASCO meeting in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and a pool of leading international scientists. The two-day event aimed at making the scientific community even stronger to foster the 4th Strategic Arctic Research Planning (ICARP), addressed to international Arctic researchers, policy makers, residents and stakeholders to discuss the state of Arctic science, and the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON-ROADS), a joint activity of IASC and the Arctic Council with the purpose to support and strengthen the development of multinational engagement to advance scientific observation and data sharing, in view of the 5th International Polar Year (2032-2033), aimed at encouraging a worldwide collaboration to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies at national and local levels.
The international panel put cross-disciplinary studies on the spotlight. A multidisciplinary approach to tackle scientific inquiries is considered as a win-win approach to tackle extreme conditions generated by changes in climate. The Sovereign Prince reaffirmed his willing in this direction by highlighting: « By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, strengthening cooperation, and embracing innovative research approaches, we can drive forward the solutions needed to safeguard the Arctic and, ultimately, our shared future ». Olivier Wenden, CEO and Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, strengthened the importance of combining different knowledge to promote a constructive dialogue: « Science alone cannot change the world. We need governments, philanthropies, businesses, and communities working together - because the challenges we face are bigger than any one institution or nation ».
Not by chance, the United Nations has recently established the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, 2025-2034 aimed at gather international scientist focused on understanding the reasons for the collapse of the cryosphere (= poles and high glacier plateaus) and the consequences on social aspects, as far as building up various scenarios taking into account the evolution of climate change, chemical and plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and sea level rise, worldwide .
Based on these premises, the AASCO debate in Monaco will provide a White Paper, acting as the basis for further studies on key research studies like the Arctic Sea Ice and Greenland Ice Sheet Dynamics and the Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCFs) addressed to tackle climate mitigation, arctic air pollution, cross-actions with local and indigenous communities and data-sharing.
Setting long-term goals makes a difference. Tuukka Petäjä, Professor at the University of Helsinki's Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), stressed:
« Comprehensive and long-term atmospheric and environmental measurements are mandatory for quantifying the impacts of climate change and human activities in the Arctic». Understanding scientific research is essential to increase knowledge and awareness. Hanna Lappalainen, Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki's Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), concluded: « Future Arctic research must prioritise understanding of land-atmosphere-ocean feedbacks and their global and regional impacts. This includes addressing how Arctic research infrastructure can be developed to meet the complex data needs of such cross-disciplinary work ». ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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