Candidacy of the Czech Republic for Observer Status in the Arctic Council
15.03.2021 / 16:48 | Aktualizováno: 20.03.2024 / 17:19
The Czech Republic officially applied for Observer Status in the Arctic Council in December 2020. Observer Status in the Arctic Council would increase the potential for mutual collaboration between scientists, researchers, universities and other stakeholders.
The Czech Republic has a long tradition of Arctic research - Czech researchers operate an Arctic Research Station in Svalbard, Norway and actively participate in the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) providing advice to the Arctic Council. Moreover, Czech scientists are involved in a number of long-term research projects focused especially on the environment, climate change and related sociological and economic issues.
The dramatic environmental changes in the Arctic are affecting us all - Arctic as well as non-Arctic countries such as the Czech Republic. The sooner we understand these processes, the better we can cope with their consequences. It is in the best interest of the Czech Republic to help minimize the impacts of climate change.