Although the icy landscapes of the planet’s poles may seem distant, scientific research in these areas can yield insights that are important to the entire planet. International Polar Year, or IPY, was an intense, coordinated polar research field campaign to better understand the key roles the polar regions play in global processes.
The last International Polar Year ran from March 1, 2007 to March 1, 2009 and involved more than 50,000 researchers in numerous science disciplines and from 60 different nations. The National Research Council’s Polar Research Board has produced two expert consensus reports in support of International Polar Year.
A Vision for the International Polar Year 2007-2008, released in 2004, provided a framework for planning science activities in preparation for International Polar Year.
Click here to view the recorded webinar presentation with report co-chairs, Julie Brigham-Grette and Robert Bindschadler.