In recent decades, great advances have been made in our understanding of the role of the polar regions in the global climate system. Shrinking sea-ice, melting ice sheets, the discharge of glaciers and thawing of permafrost are all dramatic changes that have been taking place in those regions owing to an increase in global average temperature. It is evident that the increased average rate of sea-level rise resulting from the melting of ice of land origin would be dangerous for lowlands and some islands whatever their geographical location. Ocean circulation changes may have an impact on the distribution of temperature, salinity and organic substances in tropical areas.
This would have a crucial impact on fish stocks and therefore on national economies and livelihoods and our eating habits. That is why even countries geographically far removed from the Poles have a real concern regarding changes in the polar environment and are participating in the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008.