The Belmont Forum builds a “transdisciplinary community that advances research on global environmental change” through a partnership and collaboration of “funding agencies, international scientific councils, and regional consortia dedicated to promoting transdisciplinary, transnational research to help understand, mitigate, and adapt to global environmental change”.

One of the planned Collaborative Research Action (CRA) on Addressing Rapid Change in the Arctic System (Arctic 3) will respond to profound and rapid changes occurring in the Arctic and their far-reaching global implications. It builds on key knowledge gaps identified and addresses urgent need for integrated Arctic research.

The estimated launch timeframe is coming soon in 2027.

The main focus areas include the following: (1) Arctic–mid-latitude weather extremes; (2) Changes in terrestrial ecosystems (permafrost, geohazards, wildfires, land-use change, erosion); (3) Arctic regional governance in a global context; (4) Environmental and cultural impacts of Arctic economic development; and (5) National and international policy, law and stewardship related to Arctic change. The CRA adopts a transdisciplinary and co-productive approach, with the active participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities and scientists.

The previous CRA on Resilience in Rapidly Changing Arctic Systems (Arctic 2) funded 8 projects between 2019-2024. This CRA was focused on developing projects that address key areas and understanding of the fundamentals of Arctic resilience as well as actions, informed decision-making, and translated into solutions for resilience. It was done through collaboration of academic and non-academic knowledge systems constituting a transdisciplinary approach.

CRA on Arctic Observing and Research for Sustainability (Arctic 1) funded 10 project between 2014-2021. This CRA was focused on developing projects that utilize existing Arctic observing systems, datasets and models to evaluate key sustainability challenges and opportunities in the region across the following themes: natural and living environment, built environment and infrastructures, natural resource management and development, and governance.

See also other Belmont Forum CRAs and projects are available at: https://belmontforum.org/cras-and-projects

Text by: PEEX HeadQuarters Office in Helsinki