Synthesis and Connections: Directions in the Intellectual Development of HARC

1. Synthesis and Connections: Directions in the Intellectual Development of HARC Maribeth Murray, UAF, Henry Huntington, Huntington Consulting, Craig Nicholson,UM, Dan Ferguson, ARCUS J. Benjamin Fitzhugh, UW Bruce Forbes, UL S. Craig Gerlach, UAF Lawrence Hamilton, UNH, Barbara Moorehouse, IPE, UA Astrid Ogilvie, INSTAR, and Alexey Voinov, UV

2. Human Dimensions of the Arctic System (HARC) Arctic System Science Program (ARCSS) HARC prospectus www.arcus.org/harc The Human Dimensions of the Arctic System (HARC) program was created in 1997 as a component of the Arctic System Science Program (ARCSS) of the National Science Foundation. The aim of HARC research is to better understand the role of humans in the functioning of and interactions among the various physical, biological, and social components of the arctic system. The HARC Prospectus (ARCUS 1997, available at www.arcus.org/harc) lays out the rationale and initial scientific focus for HARC. Within ARCSS, the HARC component provides an opportunity to examine not only the role of humans in the arctic system, but also the significance of changes in the arctic system for people in the Arctic and across the globe. HARC also provides a way to examine the policy implications of ARCSS research through stakeholder collaborations that examine decision making in light of environmental change, helping identify the needs of decision makers while also improving the ability of ARCSS researchers to communicate their findings effectively.The Human Dimensions of the Arctic System (HARC) program was created in 1997 as a component of the Arctic System Science Program (ARCSS) of the National Science Foundation. The aim of HARC research is to better understand the role of humans in the functioning of and interactions among the various physical, biological, and social components of the arctic system. The HARC Prospectus (ARCUS 1997, available at www.arcus.org/harc) lays out the rationale and initial scientific focus for HARC. Within ARCSS, the HARC component provides an opportunity to examine not only the role of humans in the arctic system, but also the significance of changes in the arctic system for people in the Arctic and across the globe. HARC also provides a way to examine the policy implications of ARCSS research through stakeholder collaborations that examine decision making in light of environmental change, helping identify the needs of decision makers while also improving the ability of ARCSS researchers to communicate their findings effectively.

3. Examples of HARC Research Interactions of environmental and social change Transitions in fishing and farming economies Perceptions of hazard and risk associated with environmental change Since 1997, several research projects have been and are being carried out under HARC, and a variety of other activities have been conducted to help promote the HARC program and HARC research and to advance understanding of human dimensions of the arctic system. For example, the interactions of environmental change and societal change have been examined in subsistence hunting communities in North America and industrialized regions of the Kola Peninsula, demonstrating a far more complex interplay than had been anticipated. This idea has been underscored in studies of transitions in fishing and farming economies in Greenland and Iceland, which have among other things revealed divergent outcomes among nearby communities in response to environmental shifts. Perceived and actual hazards and risks associated with environmental change among reindeer herders and in coastal communities in Alaska, show that changing human patterns may influence interactions with the environment and thus the significance of climate and other environmental change. Since 1997, several research projects have been and are being carried out under HARC, and a variety of other activities have been conducted to help promote the HARC program and HARC research and to advance understanding of human dimensions of the arctic system. For example, the interactions of environmental change and societal change have been examined in subsistence hunting communities in North America and industrialized regions of the Kola Peninsula, demonstrating a far more complex interplay than had been anticipated. This idea has been underscored in studies of transitions in fishing and farming economies in Greenland and Iceland, which have among other things revealed divergent outcomes among nearby communities in response to environmental shifts. Perceived and actual hazards and risks associated with environmental change among reindeer herders and in coastal communities in Alaska, show that changing human patterns may influence interactions with the environment and thus the significance of climate and other environmental change.

4. HARC Research Focus Changes in human-environment relationships Change through interaction rather than change in a single component In short, HARC research has converged an important research focus: changes in human-environment relationships. Those relationships change through the interactions of changes in society and changes in the environment, rather than through changes in one component alone. In short, HARC research has converged an important research focus: changes in human-environment relationships. Those relationships change through the interactions of changes in society and changes in the environment, rather than through changes in one component alone.

5. HARC Products HARC synthesis paper Dedicated issue of Arctic 2004 Science workshop � � Patterns, Connections, and Methods in Human/Environment Interactions Research Recent efforts to share the results HARC projects include the synthesis paper by several HARC PIs presented to be Larry Hamilton earlier in this session, and a brochure that describes HARC in the context of ARCSS as well as global human dimensions research. These products complement other efforts by the Science Management Office and the HARC research community, including a dedicated issue of the journal ARCTIC on arctic human dimensions research and a very successful science workshop �Patterns, Connections, and Methods in Human/Environment Interactions Research,� that preceded the SEARCH Open Science Meeting in Seattle in October. This workshop helped to identify and build a community of researchers with an interest in human/environment interactions research in the Arctic.Recent efforts to share the results HARC projects include the synthesis paper by several HARC PIs presented to be Larry Hamilton earlier in this session, and a brochure that describes HARC in the context of ARCSS as well as global human dimensions research. These products complement other efforts by the Science Management Office and the HARC research community, including a dedicated issue of the journal ARCTIC on arctic human dimensions research and a very successful science workshop �Patterns, Connections, and Methods in Human/Environment Interactions Research,� that preceded the SEARCH Open Science Meeting in Seattle in October. This workshop helped to identify and build a community of researchers with an interest in human/environment interactions research in the Arctic.

6. Human Dimensions Research The collective experiences of HARC researchers to date provide a solid foundation both for the future of human dimensions (HD) research within ARCSS and for arctic researchers to become a vigorous part of the global human dimensions community. As such, the HARC program is well positioned for the renewed emphasis on societal relevance within the ARCSS program. In 2003, HARC also began to connect with the broader North American and global human dimensions community and can therefore bring the results of ARCSS research into this wider forum. The collective experiences of HARC researchers to date provide a solid foundation both for the future of human dimensions (HD) research within ARCSS and for arctic researchers to become a vigorous part of the global human dimensions community. As such, the HARC program is well positioned for the renewed emphasis on societal relevance within the ARCSS program. In 2003, HARC also began to connect with the broader North American and global human dimensions community and can therefore bring the results of ARCSS research into this wider forum.

7. HARC Goals Expand the network of HD researchers Strengthen societal relevance of ARCSS research Advance the intellectual basis of HARC science Engage the arctic HD community in the broader ARCSS synthesis efforts Integrate the HD community into ARCSS In this context a series of core HARC goals have been identified: 1) Expand the network of human dimensions researchers interested in addressing ARCSS goals Strengthen the societal relevance of ARCSS research by developing and providing HD science guidance tailored to the ARCSS program and by serving as an outreach and communication site for arctic residents (together with ANSC) 2) Advance the intellectual basis of HARC science by continuing the HD synthesis process begun in 2003, refining the ARCSS HD paradigm (coupled systems, multi-causality, retrospective and prospective modeling, integrating case studies) and fostering discussion on interdisciplinary methods, theory, and philosophy. 3) Engage the arctic HD community in the broader ARCSS synthesis efforts 2004-2006. 4) Reach out to and engage with the national and global HD communities. 5) Integrate the HD community and HARC into ARCSS such that the HARC Core Office can be gradually phased out as a separate entity within ARCSS. In this context a series of core HARC goals have been identified: 1) Expand the network of human dimensions researchers interested in addressing ARCSS goals Strengthen the societal relevance of ARCSS research by developing and providing HD science guidance tailored to the ARCSS program and by serving as an outreach and communication site for arctic residents (together with ANSC) 2) Advance the intellectual basis of HARC science by continuing the HD synthesis process begun in 2003, refining the ARCSS HD paradigm (coupled systems, multi-causality, retrospective and prospective modeling, integrating case studies) and fostering discussion on interdisciplinary methods, theory, and philosophy. 3) Engage the arctic HD community in the broader ARCSS synthesis efforts 2004-2006. 4) Reach out to and engage with the national and global HD communities. 5) Integrate the HD community and HARC into ARCSS such that the HARC Core Office can be gradually phased out as a separate entity within ARCSS.

8. Main Tasks for HARC Continuing to build the HARC community�s research capacity Coordinating HARC synthesis and publications Refining and communicating the HARC research visions to a broad constituency Active involvement in ARCSS Program planning and development Over the next three years HARC human and organizational resources that will focus attention on four main tasks: 1) Continuing to build the HARC community�s research-capacity (i.e. network of scientists) through planned meetings and workshops, and through web and print publications on the HARC paradigm. 2) Co-ordinating HARC synthesis and a set of publications that both promote the HARC program and articulate the scientific basis for arctic HD research through planned attendance at the ICASSV 2004, IHDP 2005 and AAAS 2006 meetings and other meetings and workshops as outlined below. 3) Refining and communicating the HARC research vision to a broad constituency (including the arctic research community, the global HD research community, the public, and especially arctic residents) through distribution of the HARC brochure, scientific publications, scientific talks, and public lectures. 4) Active involvement in ongoing ARCSS Program planning and development and consistent interaction with ARCSS leadership through HARC representation on the ARCSS committee.Over the next three years HARC human and organizational resources that will focus attention on four main tasks: 1) Continuing to build the HARC community�s research-capacity (i.e. network of scientists) through planned meetings and workshops, and through web and print publications on the HARC paradigm. 2) Co-ordinating HARC synthesis and a set of publications that both promote the HARC program and articulate the scientific basis for arctic HD research through planned attendance at the ICASSV 2004, IHDP 2005 and AAAS 2006 meetings and other meetings and workshops as outlined below. 3) Refining and communicating the HARC research vision to a broad constituency (including the arctic research community, the global HD research community, the public, and especially arctic residents) through distribution of the HARC brochure, scientific publications, scientific talks, and public lectures. 4) Active involvement in ongoing ARCSS Program planning and development and consistent interaction with ARCSS leadership through HARC representation on the ARCSS committee.

9. HARC Core Office Structure Maribeth Murray, Director, HARC Core Office, UAF Center for Global Change ffmsm@uaf.edu Steering Committee Work on these tasks has already begun through the new HARC core office director and steering committee. The transition from the current SMO (Henry Huntington) to a new core office director (Maribeth Murray) occurred in July 2004, and the new core office is housed at the Center for Global Change at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Work on these tasks has already begun through the new HARC core office director and steering committee. The transition from the current SMO (Henry Huntington) to a new core office director (Maribeth Murray) occurred in July 2004, and the new core office is housed at the Center for Global Change at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

10. Planned Activities 21-23 June 2005 Human Security and Climate Change � International Workshop October 2005 IHDP Open Meeting on the HD of Global Environmental Change 2006 American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting HARC workshops 1) Participation in the Human Security and Climate Change Workshop in Oslo Norway in order further develop the global dimension of the HARC research vision. 2) Participation in the The International Human Dimensions Programme Open Meeting on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research October 2005, Bonn, Germany. The IHDP is an international, interdisciplinary, non-governmental science program dedicated to promoting and coordinating research. It aims to describe, analyze and understand the HD of global environmental change. IHDP is designed around three objectives: 1) research, 2) capacity building, and 3) networking. The HARC symposium will have HD synthesis as the theme. The goal is to expose the international HD community to arctic HD research within the context of ARCSS and to explore and synthesize the links between the arctic system and the global system in an international venue. Papers from the session will be published in a journal focused on international HD research. 3) Participation in the 2006 AAAS Annual Meeting is planned with a full day symposium, the theme of which will compliment the IHDP symposium and will be developed in collaboration with the HARC steering committee. The goal is to expose the national science community to arctic HD research within the context of ARCSS. Publication of the papers in the symposium is also planned.1) Participation in the Human Security and Climate Change Workshop in Oslo Norway in order further develop the global dimension of the HARC research vision. 2) Participation in the The International Human Dimensions Programme Open Meeting on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research October 2005, Bonn, Germany. The IHDP is an international, interdisciplinary, non-governmental science program dedicated to promoting and coordinating research. It aims to describe, analyze and understand the HD of global environmental change. IHDP is designed around three objectives: 1) research, 2) capacity building, and 3) networking. The HARC symposium will have HD synthesis as the theme. The goal is to expose the international HD community to arctic HD research within the context of ARCSS and to explore and synthesize the links between the arctic system and the global system in an international venue. Papers from the session will be published in a journal focused on international HD research. 3) Participation in the 2006 AAAS Annual Meeting is planned with a full day symposium, the theme of which will compliment the IHDP symposium and will be developed in collaboration with the HARC steering committee. The goal is to expose the national science community to arctic HD research within the context of ARCSS. Publication of the papers in the symposium is also planned.

11. Tangible Products Publications forthcoming HARC brochure Dedicated issue of Arctic Forthcoming synthesis paper Planned publications under the new core office IHDP symposium papers AAAS symposium papers Synthesis papers Public communications Expanded web presence HARC researchers are now preparing a series of publications that move beyond simply advocating a role for HD in ARCSS to publications that synthesize and explain the Arctic System and that also identify important and pressing research questions of relevance to a broad constituency that includes local stakeholders and residents, Arctic and Global Change researchers, and the general public. HARC researchers are now preparing a series of publications that move beyond simply advocating a role for HD in ARCSS to publications that synthesize and explain the Arctic System and that also identify important and pressing research questions of relevance to a broad constituency that includes local stakeholders and residents, Arctic and Global Change researchers, and the general public.

12. Synthesis Paper Human agency and climate change Looking beyond CO2 as a driver Human potential for amplification of impacts and effects Quantitative study of human influences We are presently moving forward with the intellectual development of HARC through the preparation of a second of a synthesis paper on human-environment interactions that is multi-authored by social and natural scientists, and that considers human agency combines with climate change to amplify or attenuate impacts and the ways that human activities may feed back to the climate system. Commercial fishing, livestock grazing, and construction of road and other infrastructure corridors and networks, are among the human-driven activities that can have profound influences on vegetation cover, permafrost, hydrology, species abundance, and marine and terrestrial ecosystem structure. Globally, changes in land use have driven changes in vegetation cover, albedo, runoff, and other factors that feed back to climate. Increases in exploitation of natural resources, particularly fish stocks and forests, have affected food webs, ecosystem processes, and the survival prospects of many species. Global change research now looks beyond CO2 as a driver of regional and global climate change and associated impacts and Artic research needs to do this as well.We are presently moving forward with the intellectual development of HARC through the preparation of a second of a synthesis paper on human-environment interactions that is multi-authored by social and natural scientists, and that considers human agency combines with climate change to amplify or attenuate impacts and the ways that human activities may feed back to the climate system. Commercial fishing, livestock grazing, and construction of road and other infrastructure corridors and networks, are among the human-driven activities that can have profound influences on vegetation cover, permafrost, hydrology, species abundance, and marine and terrestrial ecosystem structure. Globally, changes in land use have driven changes in vegetation cover, albedo, runoff, and other factors that feed back to climate. Increases in exploitation of natural resources, particularly fish stocks and forests, have affected food webs, ecosystem processes, and the survival prospects of many species. Global change research now looks beyond CO2 as a driver of regional and global climate change and associated impacts and Artic research needs to do this as well.

13. HARC Long Term Goals Integrate HARC research into the Arctic System Science plan and research agenda HD research becomes a fundamental component of the Arctic System Science program Ultimately the goal of the HARC core office is to integrate HARC research into Arctic System Science plan and research agenda to the extent that a HD research becomes a fundamental component of the Arctic System Science program. The accomplishments of the HARC SMO have paved the way by clearly placing arctic HD research on the ARCSS/NSF radar screen and over the next three years the new HARC core office will work with stakeholders and researchers to ensure continued developments in this direction. Ultimately the goal of the HARC core office is to integrate HARC research into Arctic System Science plan and research agenda to the extent that a HD research becomes a fundamental component of the Arctic System Science program. The accomplishments of the HARC SMO have paved the way by clearly placing arctic HD research on the ARCSS/NSF radar screen and over the next three years the new HARC core office will work with stakeholders and researchers to ensure continued developments in this direction.

14. Acknowledgments 100+ Participants in the 2004 HARC Science Workshops, Seattle Participants in the 2004 ARCSS Synthesis Retreat and especially: Michelle Boyle, Jonathan Overpeck, Rommel Zulueta, Gwenn Flowers, John Weatherly, Larry Hinzman, Andrea Lloyd, and Clara Deser National Science Foundation ARCSS Steering Committee ARCUS UAF Center for Global Change