Human-induced planetary warming is causing changes in the Arctic that are happening faster than anywhere else on our planet. These changes have environmental, societal, and economic impacts, not only in the Arctic but far beyond. This highlights the need for a sustained and accessible observing system that is tuned to the diverse needs of users, who range from local communities to researchers, industry and decision-makers.

The key motivation behind Arctic PASSION is co-creation and implementation of such a coherent, integrated Arctic observing system: the ‘Pan-Arctic Observing System of Systems - pan-AOSS’. It aims to overcome known flaws in the present observing systems by refining their operability as well as by improving, and extending pan-Arctic scientific and community-based monitoring and integrating with Indigenous and Local knowledge. Further, it will streamline the access and interoperability of Arctic Data systems and services and ensure the economic viability and sustainability of the observing system for years to come.

Faithful to our mission, GRID-Arendal’s main role in the project is to ensure that the observation systems will be better connected with society through communication, dissemination, and engagement. This work will be done jointly with the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and other Arctic PASSION partners as well as people living in the Arctic.

Arctic PASSION has 35 partners from 17 countries, and is led by the Alfred Wegener Institute. It is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No.  101003472.