As we look back at 2022 in our end of year review, it’s inspiring to see how much the SCAR community has achieved over the past year. Our three Scientific Research Programmes have continued to gain momentum, with well-attended workshops, publications and the announcement of new fellowship schemes. SCAR’s Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment (ACCE) report was a landmark publication recognised by the ATCM, CCAMLR and beyond.
On 1st December we celebrated Antarctica Day with the launch of a new animation summarising the key messages from the ACCE Report. SCAR, COMNAP and IAATO also marked the day by announcing the recipients of the 2022 Antarctic Fellowships. Ant-ICON and SC-ATS have also recently launched a new science-policy fellowship programme.
This month SCAR and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) were delighted to announce that preparatory work for a 5th International Polar Year (IPY) in 2032-33. In the lead up to the 5th IPY, SCAR and IASC are also excited to announce a joint SCAR-IASC Polar Conference in 2030.
There are many exciting events in planning for 2023, including the SCAR’s Standing Committee on the Humanities and Social Science Conference in June, the XIII Biology Symposium in July/August and the INSTANT meeting in September.
We’d like to say a huge thanks to all everyone who has contributed to SCAR’s work this year - through its groups, publications, events and more. We couldn’t do it without you! On a personal note, I returned from a long period of medical leave earlier this year and am hugely grateful for the support of the community – it’s been great to be back.
Wishing you all a great break and looking forward to working with you all in 2023.
Chandrika Nath
SCAR Executive Director