What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of the Arctic Observing Network and its impact on assessments of Arctic change.

February 26, 2026Open Access

NOAA Arctic Report Card 2025 : Assessing the State of the Arctic Observing Network: Strengths, Gaps and Risks to Systems that Track Arctic Change

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of the Arctic Observing Network and its impact on assessments of Arctic change.
Assessment of the Arctic Observing Network's capabilities over 20 years.
Evaluation of gaps in data collection and monitoring systems.
Analysis of risks affecting scientific assessments.
Identified key strengths in the observing network's coordination.
Highlighted significant gaps that affect data accuracy.
Outlined risks that could impact future scientific assessments of the Arctic.

Abstract

For 20 years, the Arctic Report Card (ARC) has vividly depicted the profound transformations of Arctic systems and their far-reaching consequences for societies in the region and beyond (see ARC 2025 Executive Summary). Accurate and timely observations of these rapid, system-wide changes are essential, making the internationally coordinated Arctic Observing Network (AON) a crucial foundation for assessments such as the ARC. This essay for the 20th anniversary Report Card provides an updated assessment of the AON, focusing on its strengths, persistent gaps, and risks in supporting scientific assessments typified by the ARC.

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