British Antarctic Survey strategy (2023-33)
Our planet is changing faster than we thought
Sea levels are rising, sea ice is melting and the polar oceans are warming. The Arctic is warming up to four times the global average, whilst our field observations show that Antarctic ice shelves are melting from below due to ice-ocean interactions. The polar oceans currently absorb more man-made heat and carbon than any other part of our planet – but for how long?
These changes affect us all. Rising sea levels threaten one billion people living in coastal regions by 2050 and contribute to extreme weather events worldwide. It is a challenge for us all to cut greenhouse gas emissions and live in better balance with our planet.
Addressing issues of global importance
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) aspires to be a world-leading centre for polar science, addressing issues of global importance and helping society adapt to a changing world.
Our 10-year organisational strategy aims to deliver outstanding polar science and operations whilst working towards net zero by 2050. We have identified nine key themes to drive change across our organisation.
Our priorities for change
These four priorities will have the most significant impact across our organisation over the next decade and beyond. They are interwoven throughout everything we do.
Digital innovation
Integrate all areas of technology to unlock groundbreaking science and transform the polar operations that underpin our research.
Environmental sustainability
Embed environmental sustainability into everything we do, reducing our carbon footprint and working towards net zero.
Modernisation
Modernise and future-proof our assets and infrastructure to support world-class polar science.
Safety and wellbeing
Develop safe and resilient staff who can confidently and successfully assess and manage hazards and risks, whilst enhancing mental health and social wellbeing for all our people.
What enables our success
Five core enablers support BAS in delivering its mission. These are fundamental to our success as an organisation.
- World-class science – Deliver exceptional polar science, providing trusted evidence and advice to policymakers, industry and society.
- Outstanding polar operations – Enhance polar operations to support UK scientists working in remote field locations and transform future support to polar science.
- Exceptional organisation – Make BAS the most efficient, effective and agile organisation it can be, aided by robust business systems.
- Brilliant people – Make BAS a place where people are proud to work, and where the development and wellbeing of our people is recognised as a priority.
- Valued partnerships – Build impactful and lasting relationships with partners, collaborators and stakeholders across government, academia and industry.
Progress in action
We are already making significant strides towards our goals. RRS Sir David Attenborough and its suite of autonomous vehicles are saving fuel and collecting more data by satellite to improve our science forecasts. Changes in the way we operate our polar stations have reduced energy consumption, as have the hundreds of solar panels we have installed across our facilities.
Our staff are innovative and are enthusiastically embracing the challenge of environmental sustainability. This strategy will guide us as we work towards a better world.
Read the full BAS Strategy to find out more about our science priorities and detailed plans to reach net zero by 2050.