Polar regions in the Earth system

What PolarRES does

The polar regions are warming much faster than the rest of the world. This affects not only the Arctic and Antarctic but also Europe and the wider global climate.

PolarRES investigates how polar climate processes interact with global atmospheric and ocean circulation. The project studies physical and chemical processes that drive atmosphere–ocean–ice interactions, and how these shape the global climate system.

Why this matters

Climate projections for the Arctic and Antarctic remain highly uncertain. These gaps limit our ability to predict global climate change and prepare for its impacts.

By reducing these uncertainties, PolarRES improves the reliability of climate projections. This helps assess environmental and social impacts more accurately and supports strategies to mitigate and adapt to change.

Polar Bears are hugely dependent on Arctic sea ice.

How the project works

• Investigating atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice interactions in both polar regions.
• Studying processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales.
• Using innovative “storylines” approaches to assess possible future outcomes.
• Improving climate projections for polar and global systems.

Who is involved

PolarRES brings together experts in polar climate science, modelling, and Earth system processes. The consortium spans Europe and international partners.

Science objectives

• Understand how the Arctic and Antarctic will respond to changes in global circulation.
• Assess how polar processes influence climate across the globe.
• Reduce uncertainties in polar climate projections.
• Provide insights for managing the impacts of climate change on society and the environment.

PolarRES Objectives:

A key outcome from the PolarRES project will be more confident climate change projections for
the Polar regions. This will enable better mitigation and adaptation actions in the polar regions.

The research data and knowledge from PolarRES will be open to the world through open-access publications, including Polar climate projections data. This will support impact assessments in all Arctic nations, both European and International.

PolarRES will produce legacy web portal where all results and deliverables will be available per theme, impact, and target group. This will ensure a lasting valuation of PolarRES’s findings.

External Collaborators:

Priscilla Mooney – Primary Coordinator Contact
Hannah Hayes – Communications and Dissemination Task Group
Ryan Weber – Policy Advice Task Group
Jørund Raukleiv Strømsøe – Coordinator Contact
Lars Fagerli – Coordinator Contact
Mona H. Horvei – Coordinator Contact
Erik Sandquist – Coordinator Contact

1. Improving climate projections in the Polar Regions

   The Polar Regions play a crucial role in balancing global climate – with the poles heating up much faster than the rest of the world. Yet, climate projections for these […]

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