Editorial - 29-9

Just over 10 years ago, I helped write A Progress Report on Canada's Renewal of Northern Research for the tri-council agencies. It was heartening to find that after years of neglect, northern research was getting a long-awaited shot in the arm.

More federal funding, combined with a concerted effort by the granting councils, provided the critical infrastructure and human capacity essential to rebuilding Canada's capacity in Arctic research

Studying the Arctic is not for the faint of heart. It is logistically difficult, time-consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous. But it is necessary if we are to understand the impacts climate change, in particular, are having on Aboriginal communities, biodiversity, resource development, shipping and national sovereignty.

Losing the ground we have gained over the past decade is not an option. But it's a real concern unless progress is made on several fronts. First, Canada needs to follow the lead of other countries and provide A-base funding to cover the long-term operating and maintenance costs associated with the Amundsen research icebreaker (see cover article).

We also need a renewed federal commitment that continues to support a multidisciplinary and partnership model once the ArcticNet Network of Centres of Excellence sunsets in 2018. After all, Arctic science is about much more than natural resources.

Canada has every right to celebrate its achievements in Arctic science. Let's not be complacent when it comes to maintaining this momentum and translating what we are learning into actions that benefit both Canada and the planet.