Plenary - Sensitivity of Arctic Regions to Contaminants and Pollutants

Despite being distant from heavily industrialized areas, Arctic ecosystems and wildlife carry the evidence of anthropogenic pollution – from black carbon to plastics, from persistent organic pollutants to heavy metals. While some pollutants may arise from wood combustion or oil and gas flaring at local to regional scales, many contaminants are carried over long distances, transported to the high latitudes via winds, rivers, ice, and ocean currents. This plenary will bring together national and international experts who closely monitor contaminants and pollutants in the Arctic and who will address the far reaching impacts of these substances on the environment, food chains, and human health.

Speakers: Mark Flanner, Jay Cullen, Jennifer Provencher, Liisa Jantunen, Liz Pijogge

Moderator: Helen Joseph