Exploring Disturbances to Arctic Atmospheric Chemistry as a Major Cause of Accelerated Climate Change in this Region

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction is pleased to invite you to participate in a workshop with Brian Stocks of B.J. Stocks Wildfire Investigations Ltd.

The 2008 Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) mission was conducted in April (Alaska) and June-July (Canada) by NASAs Global Tropospheric Chemistry and Radiation Sciences Programs in support of the International Polar Year. Its objective was to better understand the factors driving rapid ongoing changes in Arctic atmospheric composition and climate. Boreal forest fires were identified as a major disturbance to summer air quality and climate in the Arctic. This presentation will focus on the ARCTAS deployment to Cold Lake Alberta in June/July 2008, the research methodologies undertaken while monitoring northern boreal fires during that period, and some preliminary science results. The frequency and severity of boreal fires is expected to increase significantly with ongoing climate change, making this a topical and important research program.

Mr. Stocks is the author or co-author of more than 180 scientific papers covering many aspects of forest fire and global change research. He has co-edited two books and served as guest-editor of special issues of two scientific journals (Climatic Change and the Canadian Journal of Forest Research). After his retirement from the Canadian Forest Service in 2005, Mr. Stocks established a small private company (B.J. Stocks Wildfire Investigations Ltd.) to facilitate consultation on global wildland fire issues.

ICLR seeks to strengthen the insurance communitys awareness of the risks associated with natural hazards. Each month we will host an informal discussion of current research and industry issues related to natural hazards. Attendance will be limited to ensure that participants can directly contribute to the discussion. The cost is $75 ($150 for non-members, if space permits) for each forum. Business casual dress.

Friday, October 16, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Where: ICLR, 20 Richmond Street East, Suite 210, TorontoRSVP: Tracy Waddington (416) 364-8677

www.iclr.org