The Arctic Report Card (ARC) occupies a unique and highly valuable position within the broader, international framework of climate assessment and scientific outreach. Since its inception in 2006, it has provided annual, authoritative updates on the state of the Arctic, a region experiencing some of the most rapid and consequential climate-driven changes on the planet. This steady cadence distinguishes the ARC from other major reporting frameworks, such as the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) comprehensive Arctic assessments or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global assessment cycles, which are published on multi-year timelines.
AMAP is proud to support the work of the Arctic Report Card, particularly by facilitating the behind-the-scenes peer review process, drawing on an international network of more than 800 specialists. This collaboration exemplifies the strength of multidisciplinary, international partnerships in advancing Arctic science.
The Arctic Report Card’s importance lies in its ability to deliver timely, science-based insights that track evolving conditions in near real time. By focusing on key indicators—such as sea ice extent, permafrost stability, ocean temperature, and ecosystem health—it offers a concise yet robust snapshot of trends that have both regional and global implications. This immediacy is critical for informing decision-makers, researchers, Arctic residents, and stakeholders who require up-to-date information to guide policy and adaptation strategies.
Further, the Arctic Report Card increasingly weaves together physical sciences, social sciences, and Indigenous Knowledge, recognizing the leadership and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in advancing understanding of the changes being observed across the Arctic.
Equally significant is its role in science communication and accessibility. The Report Card is designed to be understandable to a broad audience, combining rigorous peer-reviewed science with clear language and compelling visuals. This approach bridges the gap between complex climate data and actionable knowledge, making it an effective tool for outreach and education.
In the constellation of climate reporting, the Arctic Report Card complements the depth of AMAP’s periodic assessments and the global perspective of IPCC reports. Together, these products form a layered system of knowledge: annual snapshots for rapid awareness, regional deep dives for detailed understanding, and global syntheses for comprehensive context. This synergy ensures that the accelerating changes in the Arctic remain visible, understood, and integrated into global climate discourse. By providing timely and credible information, the Arctic Report Card strengthens the scientific foundation for evidence-based policy decisions in a region critical to global climate stability.
On behalf of AMAP, we warmly congratulate NOAA and the entire team on the 20th edition of the Arctic Report Card. Over two decades, this initiative has become an indispensable resource for the scientific community and policymakers alike, offering clarity and continuity in a time of unprecedented environmental change. The Arctic Report Card’s commitment to scientific integrity, transparency, and accessibility has set a benchmark for effective climate communication, and we look forward to continued collaboration in advancing knowledge and action for the Arctic and beyond.
Sarah Kalhok Bourque
AMAP Chair
December 4, 2025