PolarRES Researchers Attend AASCO Summit in Monaco

10 February 2025

PolarRES contributes to international efforts to address climate change in the Arctic!

The Arctic is at heart of global climate change, making international collaboration essential to understanding and addressing its impacts. This was the central theme of the Arena for the Gap Analysis of Existing Arctic Science Co-Operations (AASCO) event, held in Monaco on February 4-5, 2025. Supported by the Foundation Prince Albert II de Monaco, the event brought together leading scientists to strengthen research partnerships and shape the future of Arctic research.

The aim of the AASCO event was to enhance cooperation among research groups and to contribute to Strategic Arctic Research Planning. It also sought to support initiatives such as the International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP) IV’s Arctic Research Planning process, the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON)-ROADS framework and preparations for the 5th International Polar Year (2032–33).

Several PolarRES researchers attended the summit, including Priscilla Mooney (NORCE), Petteri Uotila (UH) and Timo Vihma (FMI). Priscilla Mooney, PolarRES project coordinator, underscored the critical role of global cooperation in advancing Arctic research:

“The Arctic Climate is changing rapidly, bringing with it many challenges that demand international cooperation. This includes cooperation in scientific research, and PolarRES is a great example of the scientific progress that can be achieved through international cooperation.”

The AASCO discussions and the follow-up work will provide recommendations for several research priority areas such as Arctic Sea Ice and Greenland Ice Sheet dynamics, Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCFs), interactions between Arctic processes and the coupled climate system, climate interventions and their implications, Arctic air pollution, pan-Arctic science collaboration including co-production with local and indigenous Arctic communities and data-sharing in Arctic research.

AASCO is set to publish a White Paper in spring 2025, outlining future research gaps and recommendations based on the discussions in Monaco.