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 Today's Congressional Action:
The Senate will consider unemployment insurance legislation.
The House is expected to consider several non-Arctic bills today.
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Levin Resists Calls for Transparency in Defense Authorization Markup. Reporters want outgoing Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., to make his last defense authorization markup the most transparent yet. The Standing Committee of Correspondents for the daily press galleries has requested that Levin, who will retire at the end of the year, consider opening all fiscal 2015 defense authorization markups to the media and the public, with exceptions for meetings that must be classified. Roll Call
 White House Science Director Knocks Climate Change Skeptics. John Holdren, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, took on climate change skeptics Wednesday in a video released on YouTube saying the cold weather that swept across the United States this week doesn't mean that global warming is a myth. "If you've been hearing that extreme cold spells like the one we're having in the United States now disprove global warming, don't believe it," Holdren says in the video. "The fact is that no single weather episode can either prove or disprove global climate change." Politico
Appropriators Fight to Beat Clock. Lawmakers scrambled Wednesday to maintain their momentum and complete writing an omnibus spending bill by Friday. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), however, acknowledged that some sort of short stopgap measure will now be likely to avoid a Jan. 16 shutdown. The Hill
 Unusual Weather Disrupts Timber Industry in Sweden, Bears' Sleep in Finland. The weather has dealt Sweden's timber industry a double blow this winter, and now loggers are looking at lower profits and more headaches as they try to salvage what's left of their trees. In December, Storm Sven barreled down on Sweden with strong gusts and heavy snows and was quickly followed by Storm Ivar, whose fierce winds felled between 159 million and 230 million cubic feet of forest. In total, an estimated 424 million cubic feet of timber were damaged by bad weather with forests in north hit the hardest. Alaska Dispatch
 Cruise Operators Look to Stamp Out Invasive Species. The rising number of tourists in the Arctic carries with it an increased risk of non-native species being introduced into the region's environment. In order to prevent that from happening, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) has now published a "biosecurity guideline" for travellers. The guidelines contain basic advice like examining and cleaning clothes, footwear, and bags thoroughly before leaving home and making sure that any organic matter on boots, clothing or gear is removed before venturing into the Arctic. Arctic Journal
Chinese Icebreaker Shines Spotlight on Polar Ambitions. A Chinese research vessel's escape from pack ice after evacuating 52 people from a Russian ship trapped in Antarctica has shone a spotlight on the Asian power's growing polar ambitions at both ends of the Earth. In the Arctic, China's strategic goals include the opening up of a "Northeast Passage" shipping route Beijing hopes will shave days off the journey from China to Europe, its biggest export destination. Space Daily
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Legislative Action
No legislative action was formally considered yesterday.
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Future Events
Arctic Frontiers, January 19-24, 2014 (Tromso, Norway). Arctic Frontiers is an international arena addressing development in the Arctic. The conference discusses how upcoming opportunities and challenges may be handled to ensure viable economic growth and societal and environmental sustainability. Annually, the conference attracts more than 1000 participants from 25 Arctic and non-arctic countries, representing science, business, politics, and civil society. The theme of the conference is 'Humans in the Arctic'. As with previous years the policy section will run for the first two days, followed by three days of science. The science section will have four parts under 2 main headings: Health, Society and Environment; and, Maritime Operational Challenges.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 20-24, 2014 (Anchorage, Alaska). The mission of the Alaska Marine Science Symposium is to bring together scientists, policymakers, students, educators, media and the public to share research findings focused on Alaska's marine fisheries and ecosystems. The Symposium is built around regional themes-Bering Sea, Arctic Ocean, and the Gulf of Alaska. Within each theme, there will be discussions on climate, oceanography, lower tropic levels, the benthos, fishes and invertebrates, seabirds, marine mammals, local and traditional knowledge, and socioeconomic research.
The agenda is available here.
The goal of the Arctic Encounter Symposium is to engage participants in a focused discussion, through a balanced forum, highlighting shared interests and concerns of the United States and the global community as we look north to the last emerging frontier - the Arctic. The Symposium will incorporate a diverse group of leaders and experts to debate how a rapidly changing Arctic will impact international law, domestic policy, business and commerce, the environment, and the people of the Far North. Speakers include policy makers, industry leaders, scientists, and academic experts. The two-day Symposium will take place at Seattle University School of Law with a dinner reception at the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59. US Arctic Research commissioner Edward Itta is one of the speakers.
Arctic Technology Conference, February 10-12, 2014. (Houston, TX) Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) provides offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection. The Arctic Technology Conference (ATC) is built upon OTC's successful multidisciplinary approach, with 14 technical societies and organizations. The conference is an international event focused on continuing innovative technologies and solutions needed for exploration and production of energy within the circum-Arctic.
Arctic Ambitions, February 27-28, 2014 (Girdwood, Alaska). World Trade Center Alaska will host Arctic Ambitions III: Commercial Development of the Arctic. This conference focuses solely on Arctic international trade and business opportunities. It is anticipated that about 200 business and government leaders attending next year's conference. Arctic Ambitions III will concentrate on the theme of international trade and business opportunities that flow from resource development in the Arctic. While policy and research inform the discussion, the conference focuses on global markets, international trade and logistics. The previous two conferences brought together presenters from Canada, Finland, Norway, Russia, Korea and Alaska.
Arctic 2050, March 12, 2014 (Brussels, Belgium). The 4th European Marine Board Forum will bring together Arctic stakeholders from multiple sectors (science, industry, policy & governance, NGOs, etc.) to: discuss current trends and patterns of change in Arctic Ocean ecosystems, including human activity; identify possible "2050" scenarios for Arctic Change and the corresponding implications for human health and well-being; highlight key research gaps, needs and challenges in support of understanding, mitigating against, or adapting to Arctic change; stimulate dialogue across sectors to aid common understanding, collaborative actions and sustainability targets; promote a vision for a sustainable ecosystem-based management of the Arctic Ocean by 2050.
44th Annual International Arctic Workshop, March 14-16, 2014 (Boulder, CO). The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research of the University of Colorado will host the workshop. This year's theme is "Arctic's New Normal." The workshop will consider shifting environmental baselines over decades to millennia and comparisons with the Antarctic. Previous Workshops have included presentations on Arctic and Antarctic climate, atmospheric chemistry, environmental geochemistry, paleoenvironment, archeology, geomorphology, hydrology, glaciology, soils, ecology, oceanography, Quaternary history and more.
Association of American Geographers Polar Geography Sessions, April 8-12, 2014 (Tampa, Florida). Polar Geography Sessions are being planned in areas such as Sustainable Development in the Arctic, Urbanization and Transportation in the Arctic, etc. Contact Scott Stephenson (stephenson@ucla.edu) for more information, and see attached flyer.
Arctic Science Summit Week April 5-8, 2014 and Arctic Observing Summit, April 9-11 (Helsinki, Finland). ASSW is a gathering for Arctic research organizations. Any organization engaged in supporting and facilitating arctic research is welcome to participate. The ASSW meeting in 2014 will be arranged during April 5-8 in Helsinki Kumpula Campus, in the facilities of FMI and Physics Department of the University of Helsinki. Second circular here.
International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences, May 22-26, 2014 (Prince George, British Columbia). "The International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA) announces the 8th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences (ICASS VIII). ICASS is held every three years, bringing together people from all over the world to share ideas about social science research in the Arctic. ICASS VII, held in Akureyri in June 2011, attracted 450 participants from 30 different countries. ICASS VIII's theme is Northern Sustainabilities. By using the plural, we underscore both that "sustainability" has social, cultural, economic, political and environmental dimensions, and that definitions of the concept vary."
 IceTech14: International Conference and Exhibition on Performance of Ships and Structures in Ice, July 28-31, 2014 (Banff, Alberta, Canada). "The focus will be on the general theme of performance of ships and structures in ice - but with emphasis and special sessions on looking to the future in a warming world. Coverage will include technical aspects of offshore operations in Arctic and ice populated waters, as well related ice mechanics, icebreaking and ice resistance, global warming and geopolitical effects, safety and EER, subsea facilities and operations, and other relevant subjects in a polar context particularly in view of current global concerns. Both technical papers and selected panel sessions will be included. We will also continue to host a small commercial exhibition for organizations wishing to set up stand."
Arctic Circle, September 5-7, 2014 (Reykjavik, Iceland). The inaugural gathering drew more than 1200 participants from 40 nations, bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organizations for a series of meetings and presentations addressing the challenges and opportunities of the changing Arctic. The Assembly established itself as a platform for high-level engagement on issues, such as the meeting between Russia and Greenpeace regarding the "Arctic 30" detention, and it also provided new observer states the opportunity to communicate their Arctic strategies. Details about the 2014 Assembly will be announced in the coming months.
Arctic Biodiversity Assessment, December 2-4, 2014. (Trondheim, Norway)
The Arctic Council's Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) working group is organizing the first Arctic Biodiversity Congress in Trondheim, Norway on December 2-4, 2014. The Arctic Biodiversity Congress will promote the conservation and sustainable use of Arctic biodiversity through dialogue among scientists, policy-makers, government officials, industry, civil society and indigenous peoples. It is closely linked to the findings and recommendations of the first Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA) released in May 2013.
International Arctic Change 2014, December 8-12, 2014 (Ottawa, Canada). With over 1000 participants expected to attend, Arctic Change 2014 will be one of the largest trans-sectoral international Arctic research conference ever held in Canada. The conference will be a major international venue for knowledge exchange and networking across broad Arctic research disciplines in natural, human health and social sciences. General topics to be addressed include: Sustainable Development and Prosperity in the Arctic; Tracking and Predicting Socio-Economic, and Cultural Change in the Arctic; Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions; Community Health and Food Security; Monitoring, Modeling and Predicting Circumpolar and Regional Arctic Systems; Assessing, Understanding and Monitoring the Health of Arctic Populations; Indigenous Knowledge; Oceanic and Atmospheric Fluxes through the Arctic; Sensitivity and Change of Cryospheric Systems; Mapping the Arctic Ocean, Continental Shelves and Margins; Arctic Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystem Structure, Biodiversity and Services; Coastal Processes and the Vulnerability of Communities, Infrastructures and Resources; Legal, Political, Security and Navigation Issues in Opening Arctic Waterways; Adapting New Technologies to the Advantage of Arctic Research and Monitoring; Arctic Data Management, Access and Integration; International Collaboration in Arctic Research and Monitoring; and, From Knowledge to Decision and Policy-Making.
Arctic Science Summit Week, April 23-30, 2015 (Toyama, Japan). ASSW is the annual gathering of international organizations engaged in supporting and facilitating Arctic research. The purpose of the summit is to provide opportunities for coordination, collaboration and cooperation in all areas of Arctic science. IASC's (International Arctic Science Committee) 25th anniversary will be celebrated during ASSW2015. The summit presents an opportunity to review IASC contributions and recognize those who have been instrumental in its founding, development and growth. ASSW2015 will also include the 3rd International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III) and the 4th International Symposium on the Arctic Research (ISAR-4). These four-day symposia create a platform for exchanging knowledge, inspiring cross fertilization, and promoting collaboration. The summit attracts scientists, students, policy makers and other professionals from all over the world.
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