The United States in the Arctic Key Areas of Study and Environmental Change Considerations

The Arctic region faces growing economic, environmental, and cultural challenges, heightening the need for co-ordinated research across institutional and national borders. The Arctic environment is undergoing rapid transition as sea and land ice diminish, with tremendous implications for natural environments, human well-being, national security, transportation, and economic development. Notably, the Arctic's central role in environmental change make this region a critical target for research as scientists work to understand the feedback mechanisms influencing global climate, and as policymakers and businesses consider opportunities while minimising human and environmental costs. This book addresses key areas of study and environmental change considerations facing the Arctic region, with a focus on the 2013-2017 Arctic Research Plan. This plan provides a blueprint for effective Federal co-ordination of Arctic research for the next half-decade and positions the United States to remain a global leader in Arctic stewardship for many years to come.