Introduction

Although the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica may feel far removed from the lives of most people, they play a critical role in the global climate system (IPCC 2013). Both these areas are undergoing fascinating changes and subject to ground breaking research, as can be seen by the significant analysis of polar regions in the most recent IPCC report (IPCC 2013). This includes a broad spectrum of research areas including both physical and biological disciplines (Anesio and Laybourn-Parry 2012). Hence the aim of this blog is to discuss and synthesise the scientific research undertaken in some of the most remote parts of the world – the polar regions.

More specifically, this blog will examine issues in the polar regions with relevance to the timescale of the so called ‘Anthropocene’. This is a concept first introduced by Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer in 2000, who specified the need to define the most recent geological epoch as one which is characterized by mankind’s dominant impact on the global climate. Crutzen and Stoermer loosely designate the start of the Anthropocene as “the latter part of the 18^th century” (Crutzen and Stoermer 2000 pp. 17), although a precise commencement date is not necessarily required for these purposes. It is important to consider the Anthropocene an ongoing epoch, as human influence on the climate is by no means in decline. 

Therefore, the focus of this blog is research and issues in the Arctic and Antarctic during the Anthropocene, including their future in this epoch. I hope you enjoy reading, and any comments, thoughts or questions are encouraged.