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Kia ora,
You are receiving the inaugural issue of our Cold Call newsletter because you are a valued stakeholder of New Zealand’s Antarctic research.
Cold Call will deliver you policy-relevant Antarctic science insights. In other words, we’ll bring you hot topics, from the coldest places. And we’ll take care of the logistics: important polar science and policy advances will be translated, summarised and bundled up 3-4 times a year for delivery straight to your inbox.
But we can only send you future issues if you subscribe to Cold Call, so please go and do that now!
Read on for our first issue, and visit our website to find our more about New Zealand's Antarctic Science Platform.
Ngā mihi,
Dr. Neil Gilbert, Expert Group Chair Science to Policy Interface
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Message from the Director
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Kia ora tātou,
The Antarctic Science Platform has been established to understand Antarctica’s impact on the global earth system, and how this might change in a +2°C (Paris Agreement) world.
The Antarctic Science Platform, funded by MBIE and hosted by Antarctica New Zealand, has established four large scale, multidisciplinary projects to tackle this challenge. Two expert groups provide strategic leadership to provide policy-relevant future projections and to support evidenced-based decision making.
The Platform provides an unprecedented opportunity to develop longer-term, inter-disciplinary Antarctic research programmes, establish international connections, invest in new technologies, foster new talent and support policy needs.
Our scientists work on the forefront of some of the most urgent and important challenges to society. For this reason, connecting with stakeholders is a core aspect of the Antarctic Science Platform.
Cold Call is one means that we will use to keep you informed. As the Platform evolves, we will be exploring new ways to establish enduring relationships. In that regard we welcome your questions and feedback and invite you to get in touch.
It’s an exciting time for New Zealand Antarctic research and we look forward to engaging with you on the journey.
Ngā mihi,
Nancy Bertler
Antarctic Science Platform Director
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In Focus
Research-based articles and informed commentary on
issues affecting Antarctic science and policy.
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A Climate Crisis Opportunity?
Policy implications of COVID-19 on climate change mitigation and adaptation
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The global coronavirus pandemic provides a source of hope that we can combat a common threat and that rapid social transformation is possible within a very short time-frame. We need this hope, because global cooperation is essential for tackling climate change. Our world is interconnected, and there is an opportunity to improve environmental and social outcomes as we rebuild from the pandemic. Read more…
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Policy Implications of Antarctic Ice Sheet Melting and Global Sea-level Research
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Sea-level rise will affect different parts of New Zealand in different ways. Projections beyond 2050 are uncertain, because it depends how fast we act to reduce global CO2 emissions. This uncertainty is a major challenge to decision-makers. Understanding the melting of Antarctica’s ice sheets, a major driver of sea-level rise, is crucial for future planning and policy decision-making. Read more…
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Green snow is a visible marker of environmental change in polar regions. The colour is due to a group of algae. While conditions for snow algae ecosystems are rare in the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica — it is too cold — snow algae are a good illustration of the complex changes that can happen in fragile ecosystems as climate change accelerates. Read more…
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Official Modelling Hub Opening and Antarctic Science Platform Conference
On 17th November, the Hon David Parker, Minister for the Environment opened the National Modelling Hub. It is the first of its kind in New Zealand and is a collaboration between the Platform, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, NIWA and GNS Science.
Four research fellows are based at the National Modelling Hub, at the University, with a focus on future projections. The Hub is a new approach to bring together some of the brightest minds and leading experts in diverse fields to accelerate progress. The fellows are working with leading researchers here and overseas on key questions around better predicting the future contribution of Antarctic meltwater to sea level rise, changes in ocean uptake of heat and CO2, changes in ocean currents, sea ice extent, nutrient fluxes, ecosystem dynamics and impacts.
Following the opening our inaugural Antarctic Science Platform Conference got underway along with collaborators, the wider science community and stakeholders discussing science updates. A dedicated stakeholder plenary session and discussion forum explored how the platform can most effectively support policy needs. Read more….
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Antarctic Science Platform on a Page - in English and Te Reo
We are pleased to share with you our new flyers outlining the vision and mission of the platform. We are particularly excited that our Kāhui Maori arranged for the flyer to be translated into Te Reo. Access the flyers in Te Reo here and English here
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Thanks for being a part of New Zealand’s Antarctic community.
We’d love you to send us your feedback and tell us what you’d like to see included in future issues of Cold Call.
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