MBL Falmouth Forum: “Why We Should Care About the Arctic, Part II: An Arctic Science Panel”

Moderator: Anne Giblin, MBL
Panelists: Jim McClelland, MBL; Sue Natali, Woodwell Climate Research Center; Rebecca Rowe, University of New Hampshire; Collin Ward, WHOI

Lecture Abstract: Scientists originally went to the Arctic to study ecological processes thought to be unimpacted by human influences. That has all changed in recent decades as the Arctic has become “ground zero” for understanding how ecosystems will respond to rapid climate change. The panelists will explore a number of topics including how a changing Arctic climate might alter the balance of greenhouse gas emissions from higher latitudes; the changing productivity of the Arctic Ocean; how the terrestrial mammals, ranging from voles to caribou, may be impacted by changes in temperature and snow cover; and what are the potential pollution risks as the shipping and mineral exploitation in the Arctic increases. The group hopes to show the impact that climate change is having on the Arctic is not limited to the Arctic but may have profound implications for the rest of the globe. There will be short presentations and a panel discussion that will include questions from the audience.