The SDGs and the Arctic: The need for polar indicators

Our understanding of the Arctic rests to a great extent on the capacity to build long-term observations series. The overall aim of these scientifically based observations is to reach a sustainable development that counter-acts the troublesome future scenario we foresee today. While major drivers of climate change are found outside the Arctic, there is nevertheless a strong need also for the four million people that live in the Arctic to act responsible in order to create capacity for sustainable development. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer an important framework for both guiding a sustainable development of the region, as well as for improving existing and developing new observation and monitoring systems for the Arctic. This allows an approach where the challenges, changes and the adaptation potential of societies and the ecological systems can be well monitored.