http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/nat_arctic_strategy.pdf
Proposes a strategy for taking advantage of emerging economic opportunities in the warming Arctic region while working with other nations to protect the environment and promote peace. From the White House
http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_Arctic_Strategy.pdf
The ice is melting and the mineral resources are becoming more available for exploitation. This document presents the U.S. strategy for maintaining stability and security in the arctic in a warming world. From the Defense Department
http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/documents/WMO_1108_EN_web_000.pdf
Covers key findings, regional climate features and tropical cyclones. 2012 joined the ten previous years as one of the warmest on record. From the World Meterological Organization
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL34391.pdf
Describes the current state of the U.S. icebreakers, the budget prospects for improvements, and how polar icebreaking should be handled in the future. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
http://www.unep.org/pdf/uyb_2013.pdf
Sounds an alarm about damage to the polar icecaps. As sea ice melts (it was 18% below previous recorded minimums in the summer of 2012), a rush to exploit natural resources creates conditions for further damage to the fragile system. From the United Nations Environment Programme
http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/p1386a/pdf/pp1386a-1-web.pdf
Describes the results of satellite study of the colder regions of the planet in a time of warming. From the U.S. Geological Survey
http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/documents/966_WMOstatement.pdf
Reports that 2012 to date is the 9th warmest year on record despite the presence of a La Nina cycle which usually moderates temperature. Record keeping began in 1850. Also reports on the unprecedented melting of the Arctic ice cap. From the World Meterological Organization
http://www.unep.org/pdf/permafrost.pdf
Reports on the consequences for the global ecosystem of large-scale thawing of permafrost in polar regions, including the release of large amounts of previously sealed carbon into the atmosphere. From the United Nations Environment Programme