Introduction of Project Director
Arctic environments, such as sea ice, permafrost, and ice beds, have been dramatically changing as a consequence of significant global warning since the 1980s. These changes greatly affect indigenous ecosystems and residents at the regional level, and also the weather and climate at the global level. On the other hand, these changes are generating high political and economic interest worldwide in terms of realizing commercial uses such as resource exploitation and/or shipping in the Arctic Ocean.
Considering the environmental vulnerability characteristic of the region and the fact that virtually the entire region is within the domain of sovereignty of the Arctic nations, Japan’s commitments to the Arctic region are drawing the attention of the international community. ArCS’s main mission is to support the Japanese government and other decision-makers to have appropriate Arctic policies not only from the aspect of the natural sciences, but also from potential broader aspects including the social sciences.
Dr. Masao Fukasawa (NIPR/JAMSTEC)
