Polar Environment and Climate. The challenges. Conference proceedings. International Symposium organsed by DG Research of the European Commission, Brussels, 5-6 March 2007

This publication summarises the presentations and discussions held during the International Symposium "Polar environment and climate: The challenges. European research in the context of the International Polar Year" which took place in Brussels on 5th - 6th March 2007. It includes session reports by chairs and short papers from attendees who were also invited to contribute. The report follows the structure of this multidisciplinary symposium: General session on IPY; Past, present and future climate; Human and wildlife health; Natural and socioeconomics impacts of climate change and finally, Public outreach, education and policy makers. The publication illustrates the importance and diversity of European research in the Polar Regions. It also identifies gaps in our current understanding of these particularly complex and vulnerable environments and the related research needs.