The
 International Polar Year Scientific Conference, held from June 8 to 12 
in Oslo, brought together over 2,000 scientists from 70 countries to 
share their findings. 
Jointly organized by the Research Council 
of Norway, International Polar Year research campaign, World 
Meteorological Organization, and others, the forum sought to advance 
understanding of rapid changes observed in the polar regions due to 
climate change. 
At the opening ceremony, His Royal Highness the 
Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon commended the cooperative endeavors of the
 participating scientists.
His Royal Highness the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon (M): The
 International Polar Year has been about people joining forces and 
working together to solve a task that could not have been solved by any 
of them alone. You should all be proud of being part of this effort. 
VOICE:
 Among the government dignitaries in attendance was Norwegian Minister 
of Research and Higher Education Tora Aasland, who noted the 
significance of studying the two regions that are highly indicative of 
global warming.
Tora Aasland - Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education (F):
 The timing of the International Polar Year, both fortunately and sadly 
at the same time, has been very good. Climate change is a growing threat
 and a challenge we must see in a global perspective.
VOICE: Also
 present was His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose 
foundation of the same name committed to further valuable polar 
research. As new data from rapidly changing polar regions have so many 
implications, ranging from sea level rise to damaged ecosystems, 
participants sensed the urgency of communicating their findings.
Prof. Steven Chown – South African Antarctic scientist, Martha T. Muse Prize laureate (M):
 In many of the areas that I’ve worked, we see huge changes in glaciers,
 we see changes in temperature, we see changes in biodiversity. The 
situation is critical, and we need to do something about it now; we 
can’t delay. 
VOICE: According to Dr. Steven Chown, who was 
honored during the meeting with the Marth T. Muse Prize for his work in 
Antarctica, individuals' lifestyle changes also play a vital role in the
 solution.
Prof. Steven Chown (M):
 We know that agricultural emissions through the growing of cattle and 
other livestock are quite substantial. So I think we need to think as 
individuals about how our lifestyles affect the planet we have. 
VOICE:
 Our appreciation all concerned and dedicated polar scientists for your 
participation in this meeting. Let us heed your messages to join now and
 act sustainably to save the vital polar regions and our planet.
Supreme
 Master Ching Hai has often reminded of the need to prevent the danger 
of warming gases especially in the polar regions, as during an interview
 with The House Magazine for the September 2009 edition.
Supreme Master Ching Hai :Our planet is on a dangerous course to passing irreversible tipping points with disastrous consequences. 
Like
 melting of the Arctic sea ice which causes oceans to absorb more 
sunlight and speeds up melting; and the melting of permafrost which in 
turn releases toxic methane gas, resulting in more warming of the 
atmosphere.
We can’t stop the climate change with all this 
methane heating our planet and in turn heating the Arctic, yes? Heating 
the South and North Poles and in turn also heating the permafrost. 
All
 the methane from the animals heats the ice, the ice melts and the 
permafrost is exposed and melts as well. All this methane comes out 
together with the animals’ methane. We can’t be saved if we still 
continue with animals’ raising practice. 
http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20100605062220558http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/crown-prince-opens-oslo-science-conference/http://ipy-osc.no/article/2010/1276082083.78