The changes to climate and environment in the Arctic are more rapid and profound than in most other regions on the Earth. These changes already have large impacts on the ecosystem and on the societies of those that live in the Arctic. Many of the changes appear on a pan-Arctic scale and are interrelated with the effects of human response to changes in the living conditions. This complex system of changes is poorly understood and to be able to properly respond and to develop sustainable mitigation and adaptation strategies, there is an urgent need to develop a deeper knowledge of the causes to these changes and the feedbacks in the entire system.

ISAC is a long-term, multidisciplinary program developed to study the effects of environmental changes on the circumpolar Arctic system and connections to the global system. ISAC includes the physical and chemical, biological and ecological as well socio-economic and cultural systems and concerns both effects due to the enhanced greenhouse warming and other anthropogenic activities, and the effects of the natural variability affecting the Arctic. ISAC will take a system approach to facilitate expansion and deepening of our knowledge of the arctic system and to document changes in the Arctic with respect to spatial and temporal patterns. ISAC will engage in observational, synthesis and modelling activities in response to societal and scientific needs and will provide the necessary scientific background for future impacts assessments.

ISAC is based on a science overview document and is developed by the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Arctic Ocean Science Board (AOSB). ISAC is governed by a Science Steering Group (SSG) and is advised by the ISAC Council. The ISAC International Secretariat is co-located with the IASC Secretariat.