This interdisciplinary session will present emerging scientific results on the rapidly changing Arctic and northern environment. The physical environment of the Arctic, particularly the Western Arctic within Canada and in Baffin Bay, has changed dramatically over the past 35 years and in particular over the past 15 years. The underlying causes of these changes, in terms of the cryosphere, oceanography, hydrology and meteorology, are being addressed through research studies, using observational and modeling approaches. Papers will be presented on the changing Arctic conditions as to their profound effects on larger scale weather, oceanographic and hydrological patterns. The application of the scientific results of the research in relation to policy issues will be considered, including those on the ecosystem, the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, and commercial activities such as shipping, The importance of Arctic research and its consequences in looking ahead is very timely

Helen Joseph, David Fissel