NOAA Arctic Vision and Strategy

For centuries annual sea ice has protected the Arctic and its inhabitants. Now the Arctic, both on land and sea, is being transformed by significant warming. The melting of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is happening at a faster pace than we had predicted, and an ice-diminished Arctic Ocean is creating many new opportunities. These opportunities must be pursued in ways that will ensure our precious ecosystems and Arctic communities remain healthy and resilient, now and for future generations.