A policy briefing titled “Recent changes in the Antarctic and their impacts on Europe” was held organised in Brussels on the 3rd of May from 14:00 – 16:00.

This event was organised by the European Polar Board with Horizon2020-funded EU Polar Cluster projects SO-CHIC, EU-PolarNet 2 with TiPACCs, and PROTECT.

The event took place in the context of increasing pressure on the processes regulating ocean circulation, increased melting of Antarctic sea ice and ice shelves, and increasing scientific awareness of the importance of the region to Europe.

Svein Østerhus from TiPACCs alongside representatives from SO-CHIC and PROTECT presented relevant insights to European policy makers on the importance of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic to Europe, for example, via potential input to sea level rise. The discussion concluded with the implications for European policy and Antarctic research.