Polar Science in Switzerland

Polar Science in Switzerland Proposed priorities for the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) up to 2025 and beyond This paper has been prepared by the Science and Technology Advisory Board of the Swiss Polar Polar Science Institute (SPI) on the basis of two stakeholder consultations carried out during workshops at the Swiss Polar Day 2018 and a Call for Ideas in Switzerland launched by the SPI in 2017-2018. A draft version Proposed priorities for of this document was also issued for consultation the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) in February 2019. up to 2025 and beyond As a strategy, it serves to identify the key priorities and initiatives for support by the SPI up to 2025 and beyond, in order to best serve the Swiss polar community and to fill gaps in Swiss polar science. While it presents a medium-term strategy, it is nevertheless SPI’s aim to provide continuity and to embed its activities in a long-term vision. For the sake of simplicity, this document often groups issues related to the Arctic, to Antarctica and to comparative studies in high-altitude regions under the term “polar”. Failure to mention one of these regions specifically is not a reflection on the priority given to the science in that region. 2 FOREWORD FOREWORD 3 Most importantly, the accelerating human influ- reconstructions through ice and sediment cores, Foreword ence especially affects polar and high-altitude and global biogeochemical cycles in high-latitude regions, where the change in climatic conditions marine and terrestrial environments. Modelling is twice as high as the global average (polar cli- and observations of the cryosphere using field mate amplification). In addition, this human influ- experiments and remote sensing, as well as ence on polar regions affects compartments of research on permafrost and on atmospheric We are living in the Anthropocene, the first era resources has been a cultural tradition (the Arctic). the Earth system (such as sea ice, glacier, ice trace gases, aerosols and clouds are key topics in Earth’s history when processes controlling cli- Its effects are felt from the atmosphere all the way sheets and vulnerable ecosystems) that are most in which Switzerland is very active, both in polar mate and natural biogeochemical cycles are being down to the deep ocean, and by organisms from sensitive to rapid changes in climate and envi- and high-altitude regions. Similarly, Swiss groups significantly altered or, in many cases, dominated the microbial level to the end of the food chain ronmental boundary conditions, and whose are renowned for their work on microbiology, bio- by human activity. This human influence extends (where again humans represent the most ubiq- responses in return act as further amplifiers of diversity and ecosystem functioning in terrestrial into the most remote and inaccessible polar and uitous species), with as yet unknown long-term global climate change. and marine environments in polar regions, and high-altitude regions of our globe, where there impacts on ecosystem services. This influence is comparative studies in high-altitude regions. is very little direct anthropogenic activity (the most clearly reflected in the following changes: In a globalised world, the knowledge Antarctic) or where sustainable use of the limited drawn from the study of polar The diversity of Swiss polar research and the regions and the links shown with heavy logistical demands associated with polar systems regulating the Earth’s and in many cases high-altitude research, require climate are highly relevant for all both national coordination and international col- Melting of sea ice, glaciers, ice Pronounced biodiversity changes societies and policy makers. laboration to maximise the value of the research sheets, thawing of permafrost and in the polar ecosystems and decline investment. Moreover, the highly sensitive role of occurrence of extreme weather of species adapted to extreme Understanding the mechanisms affecting and polar regions and alpine environments in global events, through accelerated conditions. connecting components in the Earth system in climate change have increasingly brought polar anthropogenic warming in recent polar and high-altitude regions, as well as the science onto the political agenda, with Switzerland decades. impact of global change on these regions, is playing a growing role in international science central in research related to our present and and policy bodies related to polar regions, such Environmental pollution (including Environmental changes impacting past climate. In a globalised world, the knowledge as the International Arctic Science Committee trace gases, anthropogenic aerosols on the livelihood of Indigenous drawn from the study of polar regions and the (IASC), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic and microplastics) found in the Peoples, through the erosion of links shown with systems regulating the Earth’s Research (SCAR) and the Arctic Council, where polar environment, even in the traditional food resources. climate are highly relevant for all societies and Switzerland was granted Observer status in 2017. most remote areas, with impacts policy makers. on health and the food web. This document outlines the strengths and exper- Since the high-altitude regions of Switzerland and tise of the Swiss polar and high-altitude research other European mountain regions are affected by community. It also outlines the challenges it faces these changes in a manner similar to the high lat- in order to be able to contribute significantly to itudes, an understanding of these processes and international initiatives and to launch Swiss initia- feedbacks is not only important to better assess tives that build on and integrate these strengths future changes in the global climate system but in a way that is likely to have a strong impact in also timely and essential in order to develop suit- terms of knowledge creation, leadership and inter- able adaptation strategies for Switzerland itself. national visibility. In addition, it recognises that for some fields of science and for the humanities, the Swiss research groups are widely recognised existing groups may be small and would benefit as world leaders in fields such as atmospheric both from new opportunities and from assistance observations, climate modelling, paleoclimate in developing more robust communities. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 1 2 3 4 5 + Introduction Swiss polar Increasing Collaboration Looking to The Swiss Acknowl- science impact for success the future Polar Institute edgements Science at An overview of Growing the Swiss Linking up Making a Supporting the Authors the three poles current strengths polar research with global difference for Swiss polar Special thanks in Switzerland community polar agendas the Swiss polar science landscape Impressum Snow, glaciers and ice community PAGE 6 sheets Cryosphere through time PAGE 42 PAGE 46 PAGE 48 – Processes, feedbacks Polar processes and PAGE 44 and responses global systems The carbon, nitrogen, Polar oceans and sea ice water cycle nexus Biodiversity and – Past, present, future ecosystem functioning Biodiversity and under climate change ecosystem functions Critical enablers Technology in extreme Socio-cultural issues and environments socio-ecological systems PAGE 30 PAGE 8 1 INTRODUCTION – SCIENCE AT THE THREE POLES IN SWITZERLAND 7 Switzerland has a long tradition in polar research, both in the Arctic and Antarctica. Although Switzerland has never had 1 a specific polar programme, the names of de Quervain, Mertz and Forel are landmarks in polar and glaciological research. Swiss expertise in science performed in polar and high-altitude environments is of internationally recognised importance, Introduction both historically and today. Science at the three poles Over the past few centuries, Swiss scientists Working in polar environments (including remote have developed key scientific expertise and high-altitude regions) presents particular chal- in Switzerland abilities through their work in the Alps. By the lenges in terms of access, logistics, equipment early 20th century, Swiss explorers and scien- and safety. Performing scientific experiments and tists were also active in the Arctic and Antarctic, data collection in these regions therefore involves making the most of their experience in high alti- extremely high costs and international partner- tudes and drawing parallels to the processes they ships or collaborations are practically a necessity. could observe and measure in the Alps – the Third or Vertical Pole. During the last 100 years, By the early 20th century, Swiss Switzerland has become a major international explorers and scientists were also player, both in the field of polar science and in active in the Arctic and Antarctic, comparative studies in high-altitude areas, by a making the most of their experience combination of internationally renowned natural in high altitudes. sciences expertise and outstanding technological and analytical capabilities. This comprises the full The Swiss polar community is well networked spectrum from field observations, in situ process through its membership and active participation studies and remote sensing to modelling of Earth in SCAR and IASC. The quality of its research system components. output is widely recognised and evident in the comparatively high publication records, citation In today’s changing climate, scientific expertise indexes and participation in numerous prestigious related to extreme environments is of the utmost international

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