Dr. Elisabeth Lipiatou Head of Unit Climate Change and Environmental Risks Unit Environment Directorate Research DG European Commission Way forward for research in the arctic region- European research, instruments and objectives “ Common Concern for the Arctic” Ilulissat, 09/2008 European Commission contribution to the International Polar Year

EC Framework Programme The Arctic: -a key area that influences global climate -a key area to explore and understand the climate system -a vulnerable area

EC Framework Programme Different instruments for different targets: Large integrated international projects (e.g. DAMOCLES) Medium size research/ infrastructures projects (e.g. EPICA-MIS, EUROSPAN population network) Support actions (e.g. SEARCH for DAMOCLES) ERA-NETs (e.g. EUROPOLAR) …

EC Framework Programme Supports relevant research in several areas: Environment, Energy, Transport, Research Infrastructures, Health.. Main areas for Arctic research: Environment and Climate

Research under the EC Framework Programme Past Present Future

Summary reports on polar projects from FP5 and FP6 Almost 60 projects related to polar issues in the last ten years (200m €) Report includes FP6 information and FP5 results Preface by Commissioner Potočnik

FP5 results : ASOF-N & W Arctic-Sub arctic Ocean Flux Array for European Climate: North and West heat and volume fluxes from daily to interannual and nearly decadal ones contributions of local and remote forcing to the temporal and spatial changes of flow and temperature fields, evidence for heating of Atlantic waters increased heat flux to the Arctic

FP5 & FP6 projects : EPICA & EPICA-MIS European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica l EPICA: joint ESF and EC project, funded by the E.C. and by national contributions l Achievements: longest atmospheric CO 2 record back to 650,000 years l Comparison of archives from marine sediments and ice cores

FP6 : DAMOCLES Developing Arctic Modelling and Observing Capabilities for Long-term Environmental Studies 48 institutions from 12 European countries + the Russian federation l Cooperation agreements with USA and Canada l One of the largest IPY projects l ~17 millions € (E.C. contribution) l 2 scientific bases on ships wintering in the Arctic sea ice l major innovations in instrumentation adapted to a remote and harsh environment such as the Arctic Ocean

ERA-NET instrument: EUROPOLAR projectERA-NET instrument: EUROPOLAR project »The European Polar Consortium: Strategic coordination and networking of European Polar RTD programmes of European Polar RTD programmes

Research in the 7th Framework Programme ( )

Integrated observation and process studies in key regions (e.g. the Arctic and sub-Arctic) modelling and palaeo-studies (9.2 m €) This topic is also a contribution to the International Polar Year. FP7: THOR project Stability of the ThermoHaline Circulation

Research in the 7th Framework Programme Contribution of continental ice to Sea-Level rise (Ice 2 Sea project – in negotiation ) (EC~10 m€) Climate Change impacts on and thresholds of Arctic marine ecosystems (ATP project- in negotiation ) –Local actors included in the projects Health risks in Arctic regions –climate change and pollution (Arc Risk and CLEAR projects- in negotiation)- –Local actors included in the projects Aurora Borealis Icebreaker–preparatory phase

Research in the 7th Framework Programme Knowledge gaps on natural processes, anthropogenic impacts and their feedbacks, pollution, climate change, past climate, environment and health…- research and infrastructures Observation of Arctic environment Sound research results to support policies Strengthen International cooperation (Russia, US, Canada, others) and information exchange of research activities and coordination of national programmes. Active participation in UNFCCC/COP, 3-WCC, Presidency events,.. Public outreach (EC organised events, publications, Commissioner’s Polar portal,..)

Thank you Seventh Framework Programme: Svalbard, June 2006