Implications and Consequences of Anthropogenic Pollution in Polar Environments

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More than 30 years ago, international research first highlighted the adverse effects of organic pollutants on Arctic ecosystems. Today, indigenous people in the North are affected by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals through their traditional marine food sources. The presence of emerging pollutants in remote Polar environments is crucial for prioritizing this often-overlooked contamination in regulatory frameworks. Following the first international Polar Years (IPY 2007-2009), 11 key initiatives and projects are summarized in this book, showcasing contemporary interdisciplinary research on POPs in Polar environments. Each chapter details the consequences and priorities of international research on both legacy and emerging xenobiotics, discussing their implications for regulations, societal and cultural developments in the Arctic, and conservation priorities in Antarctica. This work is aimed at readers interested in modern research on environmental pollutants in Polar regions, particularly the Arctic. The ongoing impacts of pollution and climate change on these areas and the wider world necessitate sound scientific foundations for effective action at global, regional, and local levels. This book significantly contributes to the vital interdisciplinary environmental scientific efforts addressing these pressing issues.