IASC 25 years | Page 118

International Study of Arctic Change (ISAC) Year of approval: 2013 IASC Action Groups ISAC is an arctic environmental change program both long-term activities and urgent needs. initiated by IASC and AOSB in 2003. ISAC’s vision They are dynamic groups that act within a limit- is one of timely, relevant, and accessible scientific ed timeframe of two years. IASC Action Groups (AGs) provide strategic advice to the Council and Working Groups on information for responding to rapid arctic change. ISAC is an open ended, international, interdisciplinary arctic environmental change program. To of arctic changes, understanding their nature and Joint IASC/SCAR Bipolar Action Group (BipAG and BipAG II) Years: 2008-2012 causes, and the feedbacks and connections among BipAG was initiated by SCAR and IASC to explore them. ISAC encompasses pan-Arctic, system-scale, options for effective cooperation concerning bipolar multidisciplinary observations, synthesis and issues and the development of mechanisms to nur- modeling to provide an integrated understand- ture the International Polar Year legacy. The two- ing of arctic change and projections of future year mandate for BipAG was prolonged in 2010 and change. The ISAC Science Plan provides a vision BipAG II concentrated first and foremost on bipolar for integrating research among diverse fields and scientific opportunities for ooperation. succeed, ISAC requires observation and tracking varied users and stakeholders. ISAC is motivated by environmental changes that are already large enough to affect life in the Arctic. Future system IASC Data Policy Group Years: 2012-2013 states are uncertain and the lack of predictability To reinforce IASC’s commitment to robust data hinders efforts to develop strategies for adapting management and sharing activities, IASC Council to and managing a changing Arctic. decided to form a small advisory group of external experts and interested Council members to develop and recommend a data policy, including steps toward implementation of the policy, that provide guidance for IASC supported activities. IASC Action Group on Geosciences Years: 2012-2013 Two years after the formation of the five IASC Working Groups, it became apparent that geological research is underrepresented in the current WG structure. To address this issue, IASC Council agreed to form AGG with the terms of reference to provide strategic advice to IASC Council and WGs on both long-term opportunities and priorities in the field of Geoscience research in a broader sense. Since geosciences embrace a wide variety of scientific disciplines, emphasis is given to the overarching aspects of research. 117 00 06 Appendices