The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a draft of its proposed Arctic Vision and Strategy. As residents of the only arctic state in the union, Alaskans need to review this document and forward their concerns about it to NOAA.
We know that Alaska will see significant changes in its climate and ecosystems as development and climate change continue to progress. The direction NOAA takes in utilizing its limited resources here will have consequences that reach beyond our present circumstances.
Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Monica Medina says of the effort, “The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.”
Six Goals for the Arctic Proposed by NOAA
NOAA has proposed six goals that will comprise the development of their upcoming five-year Arctic Action Plan:
- Forecasting sea ice extents
- Strengthening foundational science to understand and detect Arctic climate and ecosystem changes
- Improvement of weather and water forecasts and warnings
- Enhancement of international and national partnerships
- Improved stewardship of management of ocean and coastal resources in the Arctic
- Advancing resilient and healthy Arctic communities and economies
NOAA Seeks Public Comments on its Draft Arctic Vision
Residents and those interested in the future of Alaska should review NOAA’s proposed framework for the arctic and forward their concerns to the agency. A final version of the document and further planning will follow after the comment period deadline of 10 June 2010.
Send comments via e-mail to strategic.planning@noaa.gov or by mail to:
NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration
1315 East-West Highway, Room 15749
Silver Spring MD 20910
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