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<p>The Arctic Council plays a key role in gathering and acting on evidence about environmental
change in the region. As an Observer State, the UK engages periodically with the Arctic
Council’s Black Carbon and Methane Expert Group, including through submitting its
National Report on Enhanced Black Carbon and Methane Emissions Reduction in 2015.
This was done alongside seven other nations and the EU.</p><p>In October 2016, scientists
from UK, Russia, EU and Arctic Council countries met. One of the main issues discussed
was the consequence of thawing permafrost in Russia. A key outcome of the discussions
will be the development of a roadmap for future research, monitoring and collaboration.</p><p>The
Government recognises the importance of understanding change in the Russian Arctic
and looks forward to seeing valuable new opportunities arising from the new Agreement
on Enhancing Arctic Scientific Cooperation reached by the Arctic States this year.
This is expected to be signed and come into operation in 2017. The Government will
continue to support UK scientific engagement with the Russian Arctic through the work
of the Natural Environment Research Council Arctic Office and others.</p>
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