Abstract

Antarctica. The word conjures up images of mountains draped with glaciers, ferocious seas dotted with icebergs, and iconic species found nowhere else on Earth. The continent includes 15% of the world’s surface, over 80% of the globe’s ice and 90% of its fresh water, nearly 18,000 km of coastline and the only ocean that encircles our planet. Far from home, and often in near isolation, Antarctic scientists are unlocking the secrets of our planet’s climate, discovering lakes and mountains beneath the ice, revealing many new organisms, and contemplating the origins of life and the universe. Once seen as a desolate place frozen in time, we now know that Antarctica is experiencing relentless change. Ongoing transformations, such as atmospheric ozone recovery, melting glaciers and ice sheets and altered air and ocean circulation, have global consequences – for climate change, sea level, ecosystems and society. In April 2014, 75 scientists and policy makers from 22 countries met to debate the priorities for Antarctic research for the next two decades and beyond. This was the first time the global Antarctic community came together to formulate a collective vision for the future. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Science (SCAR) Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science Horizon Scan set out 80 high priority scientific questions that, when answered, will markedly improve our understanding of the Antarctic and its pivotal role in modulating global change. The Horizon Scan is the science component of an emerging paradigm to integrate scientific knowledge, conservation and policy-making to more effectively preserve the value of one of our planet’s last great wilderness areas for humankind. Here we summarize the main science themes and how researchers and governments can make the Horizon Scan vision a reality. Steps include the critical need for sustained and stable science funding, region-wide and year-round access, the application of emerging technologies, strengthening environmental protection, a heightened commitment to international collaboration and improved communication amongst scientists, logistics providers, funders of science, policy-makers and the public.