Arctic PASSION: Implementing observations for societal needs
Arctic PASSION, a project funded through the Horizon 2020 European Union programme, is in its last year of activity. The objective of the project is co-creation and implementation of a coherent, integrated Arctic observing system, which attempts to close gaps in the present observing system. Improved polar observing systems is one of PCAPS’ objectives and the work of Arctic PASSON closely aligns with both the ambition and vision of PCAPS.
Sea ice buoys. Photo credit: Marcel Nicolaus
In the Arctic, human-induced planetary warming already leads to changes that are occurring faster here than anywhere else on our planet. These changes have environmental, societal, and economic impacts locally and due to the Arctic’s role in the global climate system, they extend far beyond the Arctic. This highlights the need for a sustained and accessible observing system that is tuned to the diverse needs of users, ranging from local inhabitants to academia to industry and decision-makers.
The Arctic Observing System is based on a systems of systems approach that addresses monitoring of ongoing environmental changes, helps reduce uncertainty in prediction of future climate system changes, and supports risk assessment. For Arctic PASSION, it has been important to inform and guide mitigation and adaptation measures and to support sustainable development in the Arctic and elsewhere.
However, the systems of systems approach is challenging to implement in the Arctic since most of the observation activities (except for space-borne observation) are funded through research grants. Ensuring coordination of observing activities, useful data,access to these data as well as dedicated pilot services for end users has been essential for Arctic PASSION to ensure the project has a sustainable approach to both its implementation and longevity.
Key questions for Arctic PASSION have been:
What needs to be done to improve and extend the terrestrial, marine and cryospheric in-situ measurements and the community-based monitoring systems?
Which are the services/networks necessary for adaptation to climate change in the region?
How to best involve Indigenous Peoples, local population, and other actors in the region into the co-creation of useful services?
How can an operational observing system build on the essential contribution of Indigenous Knowledge and Community Based Monitoring systems?
How can we help to integrate Community Based Observations, Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Observations into an integrated Sustainable Arctic Observing System?
How do we make data from an Arctic observing system more easily accessible?
What are the societal benefits of an Observing System for people(s) living in the region as well as for those living outside of the Arctic domain?
What can we do to make a positive contribution to national, regional, and international decision-making processes and science strategies?
How can we support communication between scientists, policy makers, commercial actors, and local population?
How to best reach out to public, science, industry, and policy stakeholders? What is needed to enable their support for a sustainable Arctic Observing System?
How can we argue for an extended Arctic Observing System support by society based on societal benefits?
In addition to data collection and various analysis activities, Arctic PASSION has developed a number of Arctic Services addressing the priorities of Arctic Council, its Working Groups, the Arctic Science Ministerials, and the Arctic Observing Summit.
Data collected are integrated into the SAON Data Portal and a full overview of services and tools which are already functional is available through the Arctic PASSION website.
Arctic PASSION is now in its final year and information from all activities are being gathered into a synthesis report. In addition to the synthesis report, a final symposium is planned 29-30 September 2025 back to back with the final Arctic PASSION General Assembly in Potsdam, Germany. This symposium will soon be announced widely. In the meantime, interested people can reach out to the Arctic PASSION Coordination Office.