Editor's Summary
26 February 2009
The way ahead: lessons from the International Polar Year
A year is a long time in some scientific circles. The fourth International Polar Year began in March 2007 and is only now drawing to a close. There was a lot to cram in. In this issue, Nature correspondents look back at the achievements of 'IPY4', and forward to the fate of the poles in a warming climate. Quirin Schiermeier talked to researchers back from Arctic and Antarctic expeditions about their experiences. IPY4, they say, has yielded data that will take decades to process, but they highlight the importance of continued monitoring of the ice sheets and the need to remind politicians that the influence of human actions on the poles must be factored in to policy decisions. Richard Monastersky reports on how the indigenous peoples of the Arctic are coping with climate change, and how they are working with scientists to safeguard their futures. See also the Editorial.
Editorial: The way ahead for polar science
The fourth International Polar Year is coming to an end. But the Arctic and Antarctic must remain top scientific priorities.
doi:10.1038/4571057a
News Feature: International Polar Year: In from the Cold
As scientists celebrate the end of the International Polar Year, they see causes for concern on the frozen horizon, reports Quirin Schiermeier.
doi:10.1038/4571072a
News Feature: International Polar Year: The social pole?
As change in the Arctic accelerates, scientists and indigenous peoples have pressing reasons to work together, reports Richard Monastersky.
doi:10.1038/4571077a
