The 2024 Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Open Science Conference, being held from August 19 to 23 in Chile, is bringing together polar researchers from around the world to share their latest discoveries, foster international collaborations, and address the critical challenges facing the polar regions.
Themed “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope,” this edition aims to highlight Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystem, especially in the context of escalating climate change concerns. The conference will emphasize the crucial role of Antarctic research in tackling global environmental challenges and seek to inspire innovative solutions and renewed hope for our planet’s future. The scientific insights shared at SCAR are essential for enhancing our understanding and efforts to mitigate these impacts.
The timing of the conference is particularly notable as it coincides with the lead-up to the International Polar Year (IPY) 2032–2033, a major global research initiative focused on advancing knowledge of the polar regions and fostering international cooperation. The discussions and collaborations taking place in Chile are set to influence future research agendas and strategies as we approach IPY.
Watch the livestream of the 2024 SCAR Open Science Conference here.
With the growing societal risks from sea currents changes, sea level rise, increased activities in Antarctica, the biodiversity compromised in a vulnerable ecosystem, and the urgency to find solutions to address environmental challenges—globally seen and often originating in Antarctica—the expertise of the SCAR community and its collective efforts are fundamental for securing a sustainable future for all.
Image by Pedro Szekely on Flickr
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