A sustainable future for the polar regions

The spectre of change is galvanising debate about the future of the poles. Climatic shifts look set to affect both profoundly. This brief looks at the issues such as pollution from opening up of marine transport routes, exploitation of natural resources, and the risks of marine acidification, the migration of commercial fish species and coastal erosion. It describes how a coherent strategy for sustainable development is urgently needed and could be achieve through adapting the framework and methodologies of National Sustainable Development Strategies (NSDSs).