This is an implementation plan for an assessment of the consequences of climate variability and change and the effects of increased UV in the Arctic Region. The development of this Implementation Plan is in response to a proposal submitted to and encouraged by the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council in May 1999 and again in November 1999.
Special emphasis is required on human health impacts and the effects of multiple stressors.
A draft policy paper prepared by the U.S. representative to AMAP was submitted and discussed at the AMAP Working Group meeting in December 1998. Two workshops were arranged in 1998 and 1999 to document activities that are already ongoing within the Arctic region with respect to observation and assessment of climate change and UV, and to prepare proposals for an observation network and research program. In the spring of 1999, AMAP, CAFF, IASC, IPCC, and WCRP jointly explored the idea of such an assessment with leaders in science, government and other interested bodies. In February 2000 the third meeting of the ASC was held in Washington DC and the group elected a Chair and Vice-Chair. A formal offer to establish the ACIA Secretariat in Fairbanks, Alaska was received.