What is The International Polar Year 2007-2008?

IPY - International Polar Year - is first and foremost a large-scale, coordinated research initiative involving many cooperative partners. To answer pressing questions about the environmental condition of the earth, a broad collaboration is required that involves high level, multi-faceted research, technology, logistics and a geographic range that exceeds what even the largest nations can carry out alone. Researchers from around the world will have open access to the data compiled from the IPY projects. Thus the programme will generate new knowledge that the world can benefit from both today and in the future.

The primary goal of International Polar Year is to conduct groundbreaking polar research that will leave a long-term base of knowledge and cooperation for future generations. Consequently, International Polar Year will have a highly varied scientific profile.

It was decided to extend the programme over a two-year period due to the special light and temperature conditions at the poles. Since International Polar Year opens in March and lasts two years, researchers will have the opportunity to compile data during two consecutive seasons in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

International Polar Year 2007-2008 aims to exploit the unique research opportunities in the polar regions and the enormous potential to shed light on persistent scientific questions. Previous polar years have led to the establishment of new research stations and expansion of observation systems. As in the past, the current International Polar Year aims to establish better monitoring of conditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.

In addition to research, special focus will be placed on education about polar research and dissemination of research finding to the general public.

Read more about International Polar Year at http://www.ipy.org/.