A vision for International Polar year 2007-2008.

Planning for International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 is well underway. IPY 2007-2008 will be an intense, internationally coordinated campaign of polar observations, research and analysis that will further our understanding of physical and social processes in Polar Regions, examine their globally-connected role in the climate system, and establish research infrastructure for the future. It will galvanize new and innovative observations and research while building on and enhancing existing relevant initiatives. It will seek to excite the public and help develop the next generation of polar scientists. It will run for two years, from 1 March 2007 until 1 March 2009, to allow two field seasons of research and activities in each Polar Region. This IPY, unlike previous international science years in 1882-83, 1932-33, and 1957-58, includes a strong human dimension and thus health-related activities are being planned. The Arctic Human Health Initiative (AHHI), in particular, includes many potentially important elements.