Working Group 1

Design, Optimization and Implementation of the Observing System

Leads: Alice Bradley, Hajo Eicken and Roberta Pirazzini

The working group reviewed, discussed and developed recommendations on:

• Review of relevant initiatives and tools aimed at cataloging and assessing various existing observing system components (in situ, satellite, and associated model and prediction systems). Relevant observatories include big national/international programs, single-institution long-term monitoring projects, community-based monitoring as well as individual/small team observing campaigns.
• Drawing on findings from the above to identify the value and role of the various observing activities in the context of an overarching observing system, and to chart paths towards integration of such system components.
• Identifying criteria for observing system optimization.
• Contributing to the SAON Roadmap for Arctic Observing, a document to help the muster resources and channel activities in support of an integrated Arctic observing system.

Participants: The working group seeks input from researchers, community members, operational observing organizations, and engineers involved with observing systems at all scales, and the private sector.

• Working Group 1 session agenda

Working Group 2

Observing in Support of Adaptation and Mitigation

Lead: Maribeth Murray

This working group focused on environmental issues and the role of observing in developing economically viable options for the Arctic that lead to policy development and the implementation of actions in support of adaptation and mitigation. They reviewed, discussed and developed recommendations on:

• Key aspects related to the successful use of observing technologies to improve or facilitate decision support, risk management, adaptation initiatives and mitigation strategies.
• Observing needs to be filled quickly or expanded to support scaling up of strategies for adaptation and mitigation during the next decade.
• Leveraging global initiatives to support adaptation and mitigation in the Arctic.

Participants: This working group encourages input from community groups, researchers, operational agencies and entities charged with the development and implementation of adaptation, management and mitigation strategies, the private sector, policy makers and Arctic Council working groups among others.

• Working Group 2 session agenda
• WG2 Synthesis Working Document- March 31 draft

Working Group 3

Observing in Support of Indigenous Food Security and Related Needs

Leads: Raychelle Daniel and Gunn-Britt Retter

Address approaches and priorities to increase the efficiency, reach and impact of observations in support of Indigenous food security and related needs.

Participants: The working group seeks input from experts who will work towards the formulation of actionable recommendations and chart a path for observing activities that facilitate the implementation of proposals related to an increased understanding of Indigenous food security.

• Working Group 3 session agenda
• Presentations from Burk, Heeringa, Behe
• Background materials:
  • Alaskan Inuit food security conceptual framework
  • Visuals for breakout session

• WG3 Synthesis Working Document- March 30 draft
• Working Group 3’s final summary: key themes to food security

Working Group 4

Data Interoperability and Federated Search

Lead: Peter Pulsifer

Video: Introduction to WG4

Draw on synergies with SAON Arctic Data Committee and Polar Data Forum to ensure that overarching observing framework emphasizes data integrity spanning collection and management over time to different data users, including science, community management activities, policy development, and decision-making at all scales.

• Message from the organizers
• Intro to the AOS WG4

Working Group 5

Arctic Observations in the context of Global Observing Initiatives

Leads: Thorsteinn Gunnarsson, Jan Rene Larsen and Peter Schlosser

The Working Group discussed and created an overview of the relevance of Arctic observing for global actions. They also discussed and formulated recommendations on the basis of these questions:

• Which existing and upcoming Arctic observing initiatives have global relevance and importance?
• How to bring Arctic observing to the global action level?
• Who is the target of this: Arctic Council (and their member countries), European Commission, UN?
• How to connect arctic observing with, for instance, the Paris agreement. Are there any model countries?
• How to involve non-Arctic countries. What are their motivations for engagement?
• What are the obstacles? And what could or should be done to remove or resolve these?

Participants: Representatives from global and regional organizations, including Arctic Council Working Groups, European Commission, GEO, Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) and WMO. Representatives from MOSAIC and T-MOSAIC.

• Working Group 5 session agenda