Celebrating the Anniversaries of the International Polar Years and International Geophysical Year

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 11, 2004

CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL POLAR YEARS AND INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR

Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to support a Senate resolution to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first International Polar Year, IPY, of 1882-1883, the 75th anniversary of the second IPY of 1932-1933, and the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, IGY, 1957-1958, in 2007-2008. The resolution would also support the continuation of such international science year traditions, particularly emphasizing activities dedicated to global environmental research, education, and protection.

Mr. President, IPY and IGY have left a legacy of scientific advancements, new discoveries, and international goodwill that continue to benefit societies today. They have made significant contributions to enhancing our understanding of the processes of environmental change and variability. In order to accurately access and monitor changes in the Earth's climate, environments, and ecosystems, it is imperative that we give adequate attention and resources to understanding these processes. Examining environmental changes in the past will strengthen our abilities to make informed decisions for the future.

IPY, first launched over 125 years ago, set precedents for internationally coordinated scientific campaigns. Accomplishments from past IPY activities include advancements in meterology, atmospheric sciences, geomagnetism, and technology. IPY also fueled the establishment of the first year-round research station inland from the Antarctic coast by the United States. Planning for an IPY in 2007-2008 is currently underway under the United States leadership of the National Academy of Science, in conjunction with the International Council for Science and the World Meterological Organization.

Modeled after IPY, IGY was first launched in 1957-1958 and also has been a model for international science activities. Accomplishments from past IGY activities include the initiation of the global space age and exploration of the upper atmosphere through the launching of Sputnik and Vanguard, the world's first satellites. IGY led to the establishment of more research stations in the Antarctic, and to the ratification of the Antarctic Treaty in 1961, which promoted peaceful international collaboration and scientific exploration in the Antarctic. It is my hope that the same research activities will occur in the Arctic region.

This resolution celebrating the anniversaries of IPY and IGY in 2007-2008 would endorse the concept of a worldwide campaign for scientific activity and expand the scope of past international science activities to promote interdisciplinary research that incorporates the physical and social sciences to enrich the understanding of diversity in life and environmental patterns on Earth. The resolution also would require the President of the United States to submit to Congress a report on steps taken by the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in association with the National Academy of Sciences and other scientific organizations, to ensure a successful worldwide international science year in 2007-2008.

I urge my colleagues to support this noncontroversial effort to promote continued international scientific collaboration.