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Welcome to the Polar Seas
Until recently, our planet’s frozen poles weren’t of much interest to anyone except scientists, adventurers, whalers, and a very sparse native population. But things change quickly. In the span of a few years, our polar regions have become widely recognized as a key indicator for global warming and the overall environmental health of the planet. In this issue of the Ocean Artists Society quarterly magazine, we’ll look at the history of exploration, science, and commercial exploitation of the polar seas and the ways human behavior continues to shape these remote places.
I’m proud to say that Ocean Artists Society members have played a tremendous role in drawing attention totheeffectsofclimatechangeonour polar seas. Through art, photography, and story, our collective work has documented the impacts of changing
sea ice conditions and melting ice sheets on the flora and fauna of these regions. The work of these professionals continues to amaze me. Could there be a more iconic image than the sight of an emaciated polar bear struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing habitat? Or the awe-inspiring film footage of a mountain-sized chunk of glacial ice calving off into frigid seas? Our members have captured these wonders in ways that inspire us and increase our understanding about the significance of the polar regions. Our members have shown, too, the impacts of changing polar climate on low-lying areas around the globe like the Maldives and the Phoenix Islands.
According to the latest climate impact assessments from NOAA, we can expect to see more climate related changes in the Arctic. Vegetation zones are projected to shift. The diversity,
range and distribution of many of the native animal species will change, melting permafrost will continue to release greenhouse sequestered gas, and coastlines throughout the entire Arctic circle will face increasing exposure to storms. These changes at the top of the world will require our ecosystems to adapt in ways we haven’t seen. The good news is that it isn’t too late to change. By working together with scientists, by exploration, and by seeking new perspectives, the Ocean Artists Society continues to challenge conventional notions about our relationship with our planet and introduce millions of people to the most important marine issues of our time.
Wyland
— Wyland
Co-Founder, Ocean Artists Society Winter 2015-2016
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