Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Northern Perspectives on Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation  (Northern Perspectives on Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation)

Outline
Signals of climate change are especially pronounced in the Arctic, and the pace and magnitude of variability and change in climate and in environmental and economic conditions greatly exceeds those typical of other regions. Following the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA 2004) it is recognised that climate changes interact with economic and environmental factors creating complex interactive relationships across scales. Arctic residents (indigenous and non-indigenous) are likely to face major positive and negative impacts due to these changes. It is not understood how climate change interacts with changes in environmental, economic and other conditions, nor how these interactions affect the vulnerability and adaptation across scales. The effects of climate change on vulnerability and adaptation vary across scales (i.e. local, regional, national). The main goal of the proposed project is to enhance empirical and theoretical understanding of processes that shape vulnerability and adaptation in a circumpolar context. A related goal is to identify how vulnerability can be reduced and adaptation be strengthened in Norway. Sub-goals are to 1. identify main implications of climate change for quality of life and local perceptions of vulnerability; 2. explain how multiple stressors, such as economic globalisation and environmental change, shape local vulnerability, in particular in resource dependent sectors and communities; 3. distinguish key factors that trigger adaptation responses and identify institutional and economic processes that constrain or enhance such responses. The project is divided into work packages that will exemplify and illustrate particular salient aspects of the over-arching research questions. These work packages will be further developed as the project progresses but will focus on questions such as multiple stressors affecting vulnerability in sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, reindeer herding and other natural resource use; local adaptation responses in sectors such as coastal fisheries; the implications of climate change for the quality of life; and adaptation in the construction industry.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project crosscuts several of IPY themes through addressing the consequences of climate change, and the vulnerability and adaptation across scales (Theme 2.3), and the impacts of polar climate on various resource sectors, which in turn are connected to globalisation (Theme 3.3). It is closely related to Theme 6, in particular Theme 6.3. The focus on scale is important to all social science in the Arctic and elsewhere and linking climate change to other stressors such as economic changes, environmental changes and globalisation will provide us with a better understanding of the vulnerability and adaptation in circumpolar communities.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
CICERO has made collaboration plans with the Tyndall Center, Harvard University, Sami University College and institute for Marine Research, Bergen, University of Oslo, Norwegian Meteorological Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks and others.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
To be determined

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: To be determined            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No significant logistic support/facilities are required.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
None planned at this stage

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
It will be submitted

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organised and managed by CICERO.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and outreach through scientific and popular publications. A stakeholder forum will be held, including dissemination to policy makers. Presentations. Graduate students.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Forthcoming

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National funding agencies

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is not fully developed as far as partners and data management. This information will be forthcoming.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr , Research Director Grete Hovelsrud-Broda
Center for Climate and Environmental Research – Oslo
CICERO
PO Box 1129, Blindern
0138 Oslo
Norway

Tel: +47 22 85 87 69 direct
Mobile: +47 95 80 60 46
Fax: +47 22 85 87 51
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information