EU-PolarNet 2 White paper with recommendations to accelerate the development of a sustained and fully integrated Polar observing system

Global climate change is rapidly intensifying, but nowhere are these changes more pronounced than in the polar regions. Yet polar observations remain sparse, with fragmented observing networks lacking large-scale coordination. Increased cooperation in observing the polar regions would create a coordinated system for sustainable and inclusive, standardised data and transnational polar observation, supporting research actions of high societal relevance and well-informed decision-making processes.

This EU-PolarNet 2 White Paper provides more than 80 actionable policy-level recommendations within seven pillars, to strengthen international collaboration in polar observation and facilitate transfer of knowledge between the Arctic and the Antarctic. The recommendations seek to consolidate existing initiatives, integrate infrastructures and funding mechanisms to enhance collective comprehension of polar environmental changes. Collaboration between EU (European Union) Member States and non-EU Arctic and Antarctic countries is recommended to address climate change threats and to encourage unity among nations in polar observation.

The recommendations will benefit people, research, environmental policies and businesses beyond the polar regions. Implementation of the recommendations should start immediately, adjusting step by step the levels of collaboration within each pillar.