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French-Swedish Summer School 17–24 June 2010; impact of climate change on sub-polar environments

Context

This summer school takes place in the context of the French-Swedish collaboration that started at a seminar held in Stockholm on October 22^nd–23^rd 2008 (statement). The Swedish Sub-Arctic and the Sub-Antarctic French territories provide important opportunities for comparisons and further scientific investigations.

In this regard, the 2010 summer school stands as a joint initiative of the French Polar Institute (IPEV) and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the support of CNRS (the French National Center for Scientific Research) and the French Embassy in Sweden.

The summer school will offer the opportunity for scientists, young researchers and students to share their views and experiences on the climate change and impacts on sub-polar ecosystems, laying down the basis for future joint research.

Abisko has been chosen because of its geographical location, offering the opportunity to combine in-depth lectures, field work and excursions in the Sub-Arctic alpine environment. This training will take on a pilot role for upcoming joint research in these areas.

Scope

During the summer school, three key issues will be addressed. They shall be further developed in line with the participation:

The use of sub-polar regions as sentinels of global changes and their key role, as stepping-stones, in the changes of Arctic and Antarctic regions. This issue would cover both life and earth sciences.
The impact of current climate changes on living organisms and ecosystems in sub-polar regions. This topic may cover a wide range of studies, including adaptation, behaviour, competition with non-native species, etc., and their consequences on the ecosystems structure and functioning.
Changes in human activities in sub-polar regions, knowledge and adaptation of indigenous peoples: this topic will cover both changes resulting from climate change and/or new emerging activities such as tourism in Sub-Antarctic islands, transport, natural resources exploitation and land use in the Sub-Arctic.

Page Manager: Eva Grönlund
Last Updated: 2010-06-22