At the recent American Geophysical Union conference held in New Orleans from December 15 to 19, 2023, scientists from over a hundred countries, including researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, expressed deep concerns regarding significant federal funding cuts impacting Arctic research. This dialogue highlights the precarious future of scientific exploration in the Arctic region, as funding reductions threaten vital observational programs.
Impact of Funding Cuts on Research and Forecasting
During a panel discussion, Dr. Hinzman, a prominent figure in Arctic research and former member of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, articulated the challenges facing the community. He stated, “We’re going through a pretty traumatic time right now. There are tremendous cuts to really important programs that enable scientific research.” The implications of these cuts extend beyond academia, affecting societal needs such as food security and resource management.
Dr. John Walsh, another scientist from UAF focusing on climate, detailed how the termination of federal observational programs has hindered critical environmental monitoring. He emphasized that “the environmental observations affect every part of life,” including essential services such as storm forecasting. The loss of funding has led to the discontinuation of weather balloons, which previously measured atmospheric conditions, resulting in decreased accuracy in forecasting severe weather events.
According to Hinzman and Walsh’s findings, the degradation of the observational network has compounded existing staffing shortages within the National Weather Service, further diminishing the quality of weather predictions. “With Arctic coastlines becoming increasingly vulnerable to storms,” they noted, “the economic and societal benefits of forecast-based warnings of Arctic storms are becoming increasingly apparent.”
Future of Arctic Research and International Collaboration
Despite the current challenges, Hinzman remains optimistic about the future of polar research. He remarked, “I do believe that the golden era of polar research is behind us, but it’s also in front of us.” He called for collective action to raise awareness about the importance of Arctic research and ensure its continuation.
The panel discussion also addressed the impact of the geopolitical landscape on international scientific collaborations. Hinzman noted the detrimental effects of strained relationships on research efforts, particularly with Russia. Dr. Robert McCoy, director of UAF’s Geophysical Institute, pointed out that collaborative projects with Russian scientists have stalled since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. Previously, Alaska scientists worked closely with their Russian counterparts on studies related to permafrost and seismic activity.
In contrast, partnerships with Greenland and Denmark have seen an increase, highlighting potential new avenues for collaboration. The importance of Indigenous knowledge in Arctic research was also emphasized, with UAF researchers increasingly engaging with Alaska tribal communities. Interim Vice Chancellor for Research at UAF, Laura Conner, noted that integrating local knowledge about sea ice and erosion strengthens scientific investigations.
Serina Wesen, outreach engagement manager at UIC Science in Utqiagvik, emphasized the daily impact of environmental changes on the livelihoods of Alaskans. “This is affecting people’s livelihoods and yearly ways of life, even just down to gathering food,” she stated. Wesen highlighted ongoing efforts to connect researchers with local elders to share knowledge and understand community concerns regarding environmental shifts.
As Arctic research faces uncertain funding and geopolitical challenges, the collaboration between scientists and Indigenous communities emerges as a beacon of hope. By combining scientific inquiry with local expertise, researchers aim to better address the pressing issues facing the Arctic and its inhabitants.