A think tank for science policy and advocacy of the two poles
Why the Polar Oceans?
The Polar oceans are a global responsibility. Keeping that in mind the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 to be the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Devised to draw attention and accelerate scientific developments that will ensure the safety and sustainability of the vast oceans, the UN’s initiative is a challenging milestone. In the context of the Polar oceans, this role’s enormity magnifies. The Polar oceans cover about one-fifth of the total surface area of earth and are among the coldest. In recent decades, however, they are experiencing the most rapid oceanic warming which has resulted in major physiological changes, exacerbating the vulnerability of the organisms inhabiting these waters. Safeguard of these extreme realms whilst exploring new avenues and opportunities across scientific, policy and commercial domains is an engagement that calls for collaborative efforts of a multitude of nations. Globally shared interests necessitate legal and policy reforms to ensure sustainable and equitable management of the Polar oceans. SaGAA Webinar 2020 will serve as a teaser to initiate a constructive dialogue on these issues to set the ball rolling towards a sustainable future of our Polar oceans. Science and Geopolitics of Arctic and Antarctic (SaGAA) is the only Indian think tank focusing exclusively on discourse related to the dynamic geopolitical and environmental developments in the polar regions of the world. We at SaGAA, believe that engaging in an inclusive dialogue with nations, small and big, will push for greater Indian involvement in the Arctic in all its dimensions—climatic, geological or resource utilization. The Arctic discourse, therefore, holds immense relevance for India.
