US Arctic Science Policy

By D.M. Hickok, G. Weller, T.N. Davis, V. Alexander, and R. Elsner

Alaska Council of Science and Technology
January 1983

Available Format: 3 MB pdf

This paper first reviews past US efforts to establish Arctic science policies designed to promote fulfillment of national needs. Second, it discusses within an Arctic context the relationships of science to natural resource development, environmental protection, national defense, understanding climatic change, enhancement of human life and occupancy, and the Arctic as a scientific research laboratory. Finally, this paper offers the case for legislative action as the essential policy foundation for the development of coherent and comprehensive program to achieve national objectives in the arctic region.