Project Description
The cross-cutting activity on societal impacts of the changing Arctic land-based cryosphere (glaciers, snow and permafrost) aims to bring together glaciologists, atmospheric scientists, social scientists, permafrost researchers, as well as indigenous knowledge holders. One focus will be on the societal impacts of glacier retreat, and with that changes in e.g. sea level, river routes, glacier outburst floods, water resources, and tourism. A second focus will be on socio-economic impacts of changes in seasonal snow due to general trends in Arctic precipitation and snow melt, as well as changes in the frequency of rain-on-snow events and extreme precipitation events. A third, newly introduced focus will be on social impacts of permafrost change, e.g. through amplified GHG emissions, coastal erosion, and affected infrastructure and ecosystems. Altogether, the changing land-based cryosphere induces changes in the natural environment with significant impacts on infrastructure, industry and mobility in the Arctic, requiring increased adaptation of Arctic communities, and influencing their wellbeing and mental health.
The cross-cutting activity will be implemented in the annual IASC Network on Arctic Glaciology Meeting (https://nag.iasc.info/), to be held on 21-23 January 2025 in Niseko, Japan.
Date and Location
21-23 January 2025 | Niseko, Japan
IASC Working Groups funding the project
- Atmosphere WG
- Cryosphere WG
- Social & Human WG
Project Lead
Ward van Pelt, Uppsala University, Sweden
Year funded by IASC
2024