This 2004 report from the National Academies’ Polar Research Board set out a vision for the International Polar Year, presenting an overview of potential science themes, enabling new technologies, and providing public outreach opportunities to both individuals and scientific communities. The report’s authoring committee recommends that the U.S. scientific community and other agencies use the IPY to initiate environmental change and variability in the polar regions; explore new scientific frontiers ranging from the molecular to the planetary scale and excite and engage the public by providing useful information about polar regions in the global system. These tactics will also help to advance general science literacy in the nation. A booklet explaining the report’s main findings is available here.
The full report is available to download or purchase from the National Academies Press.