Impact of Arctic Environmental Change on Society
Understanding the impact of Arctic environmental change on human society is important and urgent for humanity. To achieve Strategic Goal 3, which aims to assess this issue, we have addressed complex and important research questions jointly with researchers in the fields of engineering related to sea routes, shipping, waste, and the living environment as well as a research relationship between the natural and social sciences. The distinctive feature of this research is the attempt to develop our knowledge about climate and environmental change into the understanding of its impact on society. Setting a new direction for Arctic research, we aimed to take one step further from "understanding of environmental changes and social impacts" to "contribution to mitigation and adaptation" through collaboration with researchers in the field of engineering.
Specific efforts included observations and data acquisition on the terrestrial environment and ecosystems in Siberia and Alaska to assess the impact of these changes on energy resources and food. The study revealed the acceleration of permafrost degradation due to human land use and its impact on society, as well as the effects of climate change on fisheries and traditional foods. On the Arctic sea routes, we developed a technique to analyze sea ice distribution and provided the information for vessel navigation. Studies were also performed on vessel performance and safety, the impact of and countermeasures against oil spills in ice-ocean conditions. On the coastal areas, which are important residential areas and transportation hubs in the Arctic, we closely examined the impact of terrestrial, ocean, and atmospheric changes on human society. Research was carried out on the coastal areas of Greenland where glaciers and ice sheets are melting rapidly, and the results were shared and discussed with the community, local governments and authorities.
Research conducted in the projects covers a variety of natural environments in the Arctic, such as ocean, sea ice, atmosphere, climate, weather, snow cover, glaciers, permafrost, vegetation, and rivers. Based on the results of research on these diverse natural environments, assessments were conducted about a wide range of impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and on local and global society including Japan. These research activities were possible only with interdisciplinary collaborations among the wide range of natural, social, and engineering sciences.
In the future, a more accurate understanding is required of environmental changes and their complex interactions with human society. It is also important to contribute to measures to reduce their impact on society. To this end, dialogue and collaboration are needed between researchers and various stakeholders, including Arctic communities, indigenous peoples, international and Japanese society, national and local governments, and private companies and businesses.