The Big Picture, Polar Ambassadors, and Polar Days; International Outreach and Education During and Beyond IPY

The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-8 has begun, and it's not just for scientists. Teachers, artists, students, polar visitors, explorers, young scientists, arctic residents, journalists, photographers, and film-makers are all interested. IPY is an incredible opportunity to involve the public with polar science and raise awareness about critical issues facing the polar regions. An overview of the IPY international education and outreach strategy will be presented highlighting activities that encourage polar scientists to work directly with the global community to raise awareness about the polar regions, and the importance of their research. Examples include International Polar Days, IPY in Google Earth, and the Polar Ambassador Programme.