International Cryosphere Climate Initiative

12 Aug

📣Announcement: ICCI are happy to announce that applications for #COP31 Cryosphere Pavilion side events and early career scientist volunteers are now open! More information: iccinet.org/cop31-cryosp... The deadline for applications is Monday, August 31. We hope to see many of you in Antalya!

nyti.msDeadly Flash Floods in Nepal Most Likely Caused by Weakened BedrockAs the planet warms, glacier meltwater and a thawing permafrost could have contributed to destabilizing the rock.

2 Sept

@unep.org report on Limiting Overshoot: There are no good outcomes in overshooting and remaining above 1.5°C We need rapid near-term action to limit overshoot magnitude and duration and the damage it will cause for people and the Earth – including the cryosphere www.unep.org/resources/li... ❄️🧪🌊

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

Glen Peters

@glenpeters.bsky.social

2 Sept

If you want 1.5C, 1.8C, 2C, overshoot, no-overshoot, etc, then they all require the same thing: rapid short-term emission reductions reaching net zero CO2 emissions as soon as possible. This has been clear from the IPCC Special Report on 1.5C, which depicts "overshoot" on its cover! 1/

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

The New York Times

@nytimes.com

2 Sept

In Nepal, it will most likely take months for scientists to understand exactly what led to deadly flash floods that killed over 1,000 people and left thousands missing. Early theories posit glacier meltwater and a thawing permafrost could have contributed to bedrock collapse.

14 Aug

Many thanks to Norway for taking a leading role in coordinating the Fifth International Polar Year (2032–33), in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile!

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)@scar-antarctic.bsky.social

Norway will host the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY-5) International Coordination Office (ICO), in partnership with the Republic of Korea and Chile. Full press release: scar.org/scar-news/ip...

18 June

Under the banner of ‘Friends of Science’, in an overflowing press conference at SB64, diplomats from Fiji, Nepal, the EU, Switzerland, Sierra Leone and Panama vowed to ensure that decision-making in the UN climate process remains based on the “best available science”. @climatechangenews.com 🔗 ⬇️

climatechangenews.comScience 'under attack' from fossil fuel interests at UN climate talksA coalition of some rich nations and the world's most vulnerable have vowed to protect climate science in UN negotiations

18 June

Watch the press conference: unfccc.int/event/marsha... Read the full Climate Home News coverage: www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/17/s...

13 June

Yesterday, ICCI had the privilege of co-moderating two sessions at the Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change at #SB64. Mountains are of global importance. Their glaciers and snowpack regulate river flow, support agriculture and livelihoods, and store freshwater that billions of people depend on.

13 June

Watch a recording of the Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change: Morning session (including a copy of the full agenda and speaker list): unfccc.int/event/mounta... Afternoon session: unfccc.int/event/dialog...

unfccc.intunfccc.int

57 countries gathered in Santa Marta for the first-ever conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels, and here are three key takeaways from the closing plenary 🧵

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Grounding this work in science is not a procedural detail. It is the mechanism by which political commitments are held in alignment with the latest science, and supporting communities whose water, food, and coastlines depend on the pace of that transition.

Three formal work streams were agreed in the closing plenary: 1. Roadmap to TAFF addressing the gaps in current NDC and energy supply frameworks 2. Reform macroeconomic architecture sustaining fossil fuel dependency 3. Reorientation of trade and investment systems toward full decarbonization

57 countries gathered in Santa Marta for the first-ever conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels, and here are three key takeaways from the closing plenary 🧵

A Second Conference will convene in 2027, co-hosted by Tuvalu 🇹🇻 and Ireland 🇮🇪 – two island nations, geographically and economically separate and facing different climate risks, yet united through the urgency of global energy policy. For countries like Tuvalu, such policy is a lifeline for survival.

A science panel will provide independent guidance to the transition process, led by Professors Carlos Nobre (University of São Paulo) and Johan Rockström (PIK). Released at Santa Marta: 400+ scientists developed a report on how to transition away from fossil fuels energy-transition-science.org

n.prCould this conference be a 'turning point' for the world's use of fossil fuels?Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, more than 50 countries have come to Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss concrete ways to phase out oil, gas, and coal.

29 Apr

For the first time, countries, communities, and civil society convened outside formal UN climate talks with a single focus – the practical delivery of the fossil fuel transition. After six day of meetings, the closing plenary in Santa Marta is now underway! transitionawayconference.com

NPR@npr.org

Against the backdrop of an energy crisis and a warming planet, more than 50 countries have come to Santa Marta, Colombia, to discuss concrete ways to phase out oil, gas, and coal. n.pr/3R8HSah

transitionawayconference.comFirst Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil FuelsColombia and the Netherlands will host the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The Conference is designed as a space for countries, subnational governments and other stakeholders...

28 Apr

Today, scientists and researchers released the Santa Marta Action Repertoire (SMART), the culmination of over five months of work. It presents 12 core insights from 16 work streams that will be shared with governments at the High-Level Segment (Tue-Wed), followed by a synthesis report. Link below!

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative@iccinet.org

The first international conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels began last Friday, co-hosted by Colombia 🇨🇴 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Our Global Mountains Director is on the ground all week, advancing discussions on a just, science-based transition. transitionawayconference.com

28 Apr

The Santa Marta Action Repertoire (SMART) summary can be read here: table.media/assets/clima...

table.mediatable.media

28 Apr

Happy #EarthDay! 🌍 Today we are launching a white paper on Barriers to Glaciers-Related Financing. As temperatures continue to rise, finance will be needed to respond to the impact of glacier loss on mountain 🗻 and water 🧊 ecosystems. iccinet.org/glacier-fina...

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It also identifies best practices and lessons from communities, governments and financial institutions to safeguard these water towers of the world and curb the effects of runaway loss.

The effort was led by ICCI with support from @adb.org , @greenclimate.fund , the World Bank, OECD, Inter-American Development Bank, Global Environmental Facility, BNP Paribas and other private sector actors, and civil society such as the Bank Information Center, among others.

The report outlines some of the most challenging elements of glacier-related financing, ranging from antiquated structures and regulatory risk to the lack of data and episodic nature of such disasters.

30 Mar

2026 Arctic sea ice maximum ties with record-breaking low set in 2025. This year’s maximum sea ice extent likely occurred on March 15, reaching only 14.29 million km2. This is the smallest maximum in the 48-year satellite record, falling about 20,000 km2 lower than 2025. @nsidc.bsky.social

iccinet.orgRecord-Low 2026 Arctic Sea Ice Maximum: Why It’s Essentially a “Tie” with 2025 – ICCI – International Cryosphere Climate Initiative

30 Mar

The margin of error for these satellite records is 30,000 km2, so this year’s 20,000 km2 lower maximum extent is within this margin. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) has declared 2025 and 2026 statistically “tied” for this troubling record-low. Read more: iccinet.org/record-low-2...

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

Zack Labe

@zacklabe.com

23 Mar

The World Meteorological Organization report on the State of the Global Climate 2025 was released today: "Earth's energy imbalance has been growing since the 1960s, reaching a record high in 2025." "Extreme weather impacts millions and costs billions." Press release: wmo.int/news/media-c...

25 Feb

Today is the opening day of the 2026 Monaco Polar Symposium from Feb 25-27. The key focus: actionable steps to translate polar research into climate action 🧊 We will share more about the program, panels, and key moments throughout the week! #Cryosphere #ClimateAction

25 Feb

The first panel addressed "International Collaboration in Times of Uncertainty" — how polar research partnerships can adapt and endure in a complex geopolitical landscape. Pam Pearson moderated 📌 Panelists: H.E. David Balton, Dr. Sara Olsvig, Dr. Antje Boetius, Dr. Burcu Ozsoy & Dr. Anil Mishra.

spiral.imperial.ac.ukClimate change and its impact on the Antarctic PeninsulaThe Antarctic Peninsula, part of the British Antarctic Territory, is a global biodiversity hotspot, and a focus of tourism, scientific and fishing operations. The region is warming rapidly, at up to t...

25 Feb

Also on today's program: 🗓️ Funding Innovation, Equity & New Models 🗓️ Research to Action: Flagship Initiatives & Implementation Each panel brought together scientists, Indigenous leaders, and policymakers from across the globe to collaboratively build stronger climate action. #PolarSymposium2026

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

Bethan Davies

@iceybethan.bsky.social

20 Feb

The future of the Antarctic Peninsula under three different scenarios - the choices we make today determine the future. Policy Brief with @granthamicl.bsky.social spiral.imperial.ac.uk/entities/pub...

frontiersin.orgFrontiers | The Antarctic Peninsula under present day climate and future low, medium-high and very high emissions scenariosThe Antarctic Peninsula is warming rapidly, with more frequent extreme temperature and precipitation events, reduced sea ice, glacier retreat, ice shelf coll...

20 Feb

Future of the Antarctic Peninsula depends on choices today! High emissions cause more days above 0C, rain, ocean warming, and more extreme weather events. Limiting temps below 2C, with effective governance to increase resilience will limit potential change. www.frontiersin.org/journals/env...

pik-potsdam.deNew study identifies sequence of critical thresholds for Antarctic ice basins16.02.2026 - The Antarctic ice sheet does not behave as one single tipping element, but as a set of interacting basins with different critical thresholds. This is the finding of a new study by the Pot...

16 Feb

Tipping points of the #Antarctic ice sheet revealed! Temperatures of 1–2 °C above preindustrial levels triggers the long-term collapse of 40% of marine ice in West Antarctica once the ice sheet fully responds. Marine-based sectors in East Antarctica are at risk of losing stability at 2–5 °C.

Julius Garbe@juliusgarbe.github.io

🔔🚨 New Publication Alert! Research has shown that the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a climate tipping element. We found: it’s not one — it’s many. 📄 Paper (open access): www.nature.com/articles/s41... 📢 Press release: www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late... Tread below 🧵👇

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

PIK_climate

@pik-potsdam.bsky.social

16 Feb

NEW: Antarctic ice sheet not one tipping element, but interacting basins with distinct thresholds. ~40% of West Antarctic ice may be committed to long-term loss; parts of East Antarctica face risks at 2–3°C. @ricarda-winkelmann.bsky.social @juliusgarbe.github.io www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...

30 Jan

How can cryosphere science shape climate policy? AMI Chief Science Advisor Dr. James Kirkham explains how cryosphere science can inform UN climate negotiations, build political ambition, and help protect melting snow and ice at a critical moment for climate action. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyfD...

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)@scar-antarctic.bsky.social

INSTANT invites you to a webinar on climate science diplomacy with Dr. James Kirkham (International Cryosphere Climate Initiative). "Climate science diplomacy: What is it? How do YOU do it? And how can we make policymakers care about ice?” 📅 30 January, 12:00 CET scar.org/scar-news/pr...

21 Jan

ICCI's @jdkirkham.bsky.social will be speaking next week on cryosphere science diplomacy, what happened at #COP30, and what to look out for in 2026!

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)@scar-antarctic.bsky.social

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

theconversation.comWhy Greenland is indispensable to global climate scienceWith no Antarctica-style treaty to protect Greenland, a US takeover could mean scientists lose access.

20 Jan

As world leaders, businesses and civil society gather in #Davos for the #WEF, here is a timely reminder why Greenland is indispensable to global #climate science 🧪 via: Prof Martin Siegert in @theconversation.com theconversation.com/why-greenlan...

theconversation.comWhy Greenland is indispensable to global climate scienceWith no Antarctica-style treaty to protect Greenland, a US takeover could mean scientists lose access.

20 Jan

theconversation.comEarth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring itThe warning lights from the cryosphere have been flashing red for several years and governments and policymakers ignore this at their peril.

18 Dec 2025

Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it! 👇Commentary in @theconversation.com about recent efforts to downplay and diminish #science at #COP30 🧪🌊❄️

James Kirkham@jdkirkham.bsky.social

As scientists 🧪 who regularly attend UN #climate summits, we've noticed efforts to downplay, confuse and dilute the latest scientific findings, especially from the cryosphere ❄️. This is alarming. More details in @theconversation.com theconversation.com/earths-froze... @geogdurham.bsky.social

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

Julius Garbe

@juliusgarbe.github.io

18 Dec 2025

Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it theconversation.com/earths-froze...

Rising temperatures could to lead to the loss of thousands of glaciers per year, with up to ~4,000 vanishing annually under high emissions. 1.5°C could halve this loss 🧵 @landervt.bsky.social @harryzeko.bsky.social @matthias-huss.bsky.social @davidrounce.bsky.social @lilianschuster.bsky.social

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Globally: Glacier loss under 1.5°C is projected to peak around 2040, maxing out at ~2,000 glaciers lost per year. Peak glacier loss under 4.0°C would culminate in the mid-2050s at ~4,000 glaciers per year, equivalent to losing the entire glacier population of the European Alps in just one year.

theguardian.comGlaciers to reach peak rate of extinction in the Alps in eight yearsClimate crisis forecast to wipe out thousands of glaciers a year globally, threatening water supplies and cultural heritage

Limiting warming to 1.5°C could more than double the number of glaciers surviving by 2100 compared with 2.7°C, and prevent the near-complete loss expected under 4.0°C warming. News coverage: www.theguardian.com/environment/... Full paper: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Over 45,000 glaciers in the western US and Canada will shrink by 70% by 2100 even if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C. Their loss rises to 90% under 2.7°C. In central Europe, about 87% of today’s 3,000 glaciers will disappear under 1.5°C, but they almost completely vanish under 2.7°C.

10 Dec 2025

Join us at UNEA-7 this Thursday Dec. 11 on International Mountain Day: Moderated by @unep.org's Mr. Lewis Pugh, the event will focus on cryosphere changes, regional solutions for mountain ecosystems, and frameworks for assessing losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services. 🔗 Livestream below!

youtube.comVanishing Ice and Snow: Global Impacts and Regional Solutions for Resilient MountainsYouTube video by UN Environment Programme

10 Dec 2025

Speaking from UNEP HQ in Nairobi, ICCI’s AMI Chief Science Advisor Dr. James Kirkham will kick off with a presentation on the latest cryosphere science. ⏰ Dec. 11, 15:15-17:15 GMT+3 Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/R21VGHf...

22 Nov 2025

Reflections on COP30 Global Mutirão final decision text:

youtu.beAfter COP30 Fire and Floods: AMOC ShutdownYouTube video by International Cryosphere Climate Initiative

21 Nov 2025

Despite 🔥 and 🌧 at #COP30, we are happy to share the latest info on #AMOC shutdown from @rahmstorf.bsky.social, including perspectives from Iceland and UK govs filmed after the COP venue was evacuated! Important messages to heed as COP30 negotiations go to the wire! 🧪🌊 youtu.be/B-0eQnEEsYA

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative reposted

Grant Macdonald❄️

@geogeordie.bsky.social

21 Nov 2025

Pleased I could participate remotely in COP30 yesterday to talk about the impact of changing ice conditions on emperor penguins - at the fantastic @iccinet.bsky.social pavilion. The ICCI do great work at COP, highlighting the importance of limiting warming for the cryo: www.youtube.com/@iccinet

youtube.comInternational Cryosphere Climate InitiativeInternational Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) is a network of senior policy experts and researchers aiming to spread cryosphere science and preserve the cryosphere's key role in Earth's climate s...

20 Nov 2025

Happening in less than 1 hr here at #COP30

International Cryosphere Climate Initiative@iccinet.org

Tomorrow at #COP30 and online @rahmstorf.bsky.social will present latest AMOC science & potential impacts of shutdown The event will be chaired by Minister Johannsson of Iceland and will include perspectives from representatives of Ireland, UK, Canada, and Finland iccinet.org/cop30-cryosp... 🧪🌊

19 Nov 2025