The New England Arctic Network

With Arctic warming and sea ice melt outpacing projections, institutions across New England have formed a regional, multi-institutional, and inclusive network of researchers, stakeholders, and external partners concerned with anticipating and responding to Arctic change and its implications within the North Atlantic sector of the Arctic. The goals of the New England Arctic Network are to provide a forum for the wealth of expertise in Arctic research and engagement across New England and to anticipate and respond to links between Arctic change and the eastern coast of North America. Long-term uncertainties in regional resilience are closely tied to the pace of Greenland ice melt and resulting sea level rise, potential modifications to internal climate modes and regional weather patterns, and shifts in North Atlantic currents and marine ecosystems. In addition, accelerating sea ice melt suggests that trans-Arctic sea routes will bring both socioeconomic opportunities and environmental challenges to port communities along the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic coast. The current objectives of the network are to 1) Build and enhance cross-institutional Research and Educational opportunities that link universities, government institutions, private industry, and North Atlantic and Arctic communities, 2) Communicate with, educate, and learn from New England leaders, communities, and businesses about the importance of Arctic change and links with our region, and 3) Identify cultural changes at institutions needed to support community-engaged research, including shifting norms for how research teams approach collaborations with Indigenous communities in projects involving Arctic change and implications for the North Atlantic region.