Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 23 April 2026 Observations suggest we are currently tracking sea-level rise pathways consistent with intermediate- to high-emission scenarios. These trajectories are already producing rapid increases in the rate of sea-level rise, with some regions, such as the Western Pacific, already experiencing greater increase than the global average. Ice sheet […]
NPJ Natural Hazards, 16 April 2026) Rising temperatures and shifting regional precipitation patterns are reducing the stability of Himalayan glaciers, causing some to evolve into “hanging glaciers” — ice masses perched on steep slopes that can detach and trigger ice avalanches. This study presents a comprehensive inventory of hanging glaciers in northern India’s Alaknanda basin, […]
Nature Communications, 18 March 2026 This study identified a marked increase in both flood frequency and peak river flows across the Tibetan Plateau after 2016. Conditions were relatively stable from 1980–2016, after which flooding became more frequent and intense across many river systems. This shift is linked to stronger climate extremes, including more intense short […]
The Cryosphere, 7 April 2026 Projections of Antarctica’s response to temporary but extreme ocean warming find that 14 major ice streams across West and East Antarctica would continue to retreat for centuries, even after temperatures return to present-day levels. Using an ocean-ice sheet model, researchers examined what would happen if Antarctic continental shelf waters warmed […]
The Cryosphere, 1 April 2026 Antarctic sea ice stayed fairly steady from 2010-2014, but began to drop sharply after 2015. By February 2023, it reached a record summer low of 1.85 million km², about 20% lower than the 2010-2014 average. The largest losses have been in the Amundsen-Bellingshausen Sea and around the Antarctic Peninsula. This […]
Changes in Antarctica can trigger fast and cascading impacts, often with global consequences. Multiple abrupt changes in the Antarctic environment now span across Antarctica’s ice, ocean and ecosystems. The interconnections between these systems amplify the risks of exceeding tipping points. Speakers included Dr. Nerilie Abram, Australian Antarctic Division; Dr. Ariaan Purich, Monash University; Dr. Matthew […]
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, 22 April 2026 A white paper entitled Barriers to Glaciers-Related Financing: Financing Mitigation to Preserve Glaciers While Adapting to Their Loss was formally released today, in recognition of Earth Day and on the eve of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Initially shared at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, […]
As a part of IYGP, the text for the White Paper was released last November at COP30. Perspectives from the financing and development impact community examined the interlinkages between water security, adaptation needs, and growing physical climate risks based on the latest glacier science. Pam Pearson, Director of ICCI, moderated the event. Speakers included Dr. […]
Nature Communications, 1 April 2026 A growing network of meltwater lakes along the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet has increased the flow of ice into the ocean, triggering faster ice sheet thinning and more rapid sea-level rise. A study of 102 glaciers across Greenland found that glaciers terminating in lakes move over three times […]
Nature Communications, 6 April 2026 Arctic warming increases the amount of iron draining out of permafrost ground and entering rivers and streams, with important implications for aquatic ecosystems and subsistence resources. This study shows that permafrost thaw causes iron release through two main pathways: microbial activity in waterlogged environments and chemical reactions from sulfide-rich bedrock. […]
Nature Climate Change, 30 March 2026 Rising temperatures increase the frequency of retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) – landslide-like ground failures driven by permafrost thaw – which rapidly strip vegetation, destabilize terrain, and release previously stored soil carbon into the atmosphere across northern tundra regions. This study shows that vegetation recovery following these events varies widely, […]
Nature Communications, 30 March 2026 Surface melting in Antarctica is projected to increase this century, with the area experiencing surface melt expanding by more than 10% by 2100 under high emissions. Only low emissions scenarios will keep the spread of surface melting from increasing beyond present levels. Surface melting alters how much solar heat the […]
Permafrost is a critical component of the global climate system because its thaw releases vast stores of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, amplifying global warming and destabilizing the ground in Arctic and mountain regions. This side event summarized the state of knowledge on permafrost thaw; the potential carbon emissions anticipated under present warming […]
Communications Earth & Environment, 27 March 2026 The potential collapse of the major system of global ocean currents known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could cause release of large amounts of carbon from the Southern Ocean, increasing atmospheric CO2 and adding roughly 0.2°C of additional global warming. The AMOC transports warm surface water […]
Nature Climate Change, 18 March 2026 Sea ice extent around Antarctica was fairly stable or very slightly (1-2%) expanding for several decades until reaching record-breaking lows in 2017, when strong winds churned up warm water from the deep ocean, breaking through the “winter water” layer that previously protected the ice from melting. Antarctic winter water […]