Abstract:

In the 21st century, mankind must acknowledge the roles of polar regions in global sustainability, especially its interrelationship with Earth's climate system. Notably, dissemination of science knowledge and awareness that arises through education, outreach, and effective communication are key instruments that can help towards environmental conservation and sustainability on the polar regions. This paper aims to discover the science knowledge that has been derived about the polar regions and then to recommend the comprehensive approach for strengthening the Education, Outreach and Communication (EOC) strategy in promoting the polar regions. The fundamental scientific literacy on the polar regions can create a new understanding and respect towards the polar regions by mankind. Specifically, this would happen when a scientific perspective is brought into global problems that integrate socio-scientific issues (SSI) in science education and fostering science diplomacy and global common. Besides, it broadens the perspective about the earth as a global ecosystem. Therefore, a synergy framework of EOC is needed in a national polar programme to strengthen and sustain the public’s awareness and interest on the polar regions. Consequently, the information from this paper is important for policy makers and national polar governance in developing the future strategy of co-ordinating stakeholders and funds for EOC initiatives, especially during the Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP).

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