The Arctic Report Card is an annual report led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA). The efforts of scientists and climate specialists to create this robust scientific report every year is impressive. The amount of work contributed to this scientific document is extremely important in documenting climate change in the Arctic, which is warming at an alarming rate.
Today's episode is a conversation with Rick Thoman, a climate specialist at IARC’s Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP). Rick is a contributor and editor of the Arctic Report Card and was also awarded NOAA Distinguished Career Award for Professional Achievement in 2020. Rick was honored after a 30 plus year career with the National Weather Service for continued efforts to improve climate services in Alaska and for outstanding outreach efforts working with the Alaska Native community.
Rick discusses the greening tundra, the melting sea ice and the adaptability of the indigenous people and how helpful their generational observations are on the changing landscape of the North.
The Report Card is intended for a wide audience, including scientists, teachers, students, decision-makers and the general public interested in the Arctic environment and science. It is encouraged that the Report Card to be utilized and studied, as the scientific community has created it to be an easily read report for the general population to better understand the complexities of the warming Arctic.
Here are the links to the 2023 Arctic Report Card and NOAA website:
https://arctic.noaa.gov/report-card/
https://www.arctic.noaa.gov
You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com
Thanks for tuning in to Alaska Climate & Aviation Podcast!
Katie Writer
Journalist/Pilot/Photographer
ktphotowork@gmail.com