Last year, the UN General Assembly declared 2025-2034 as the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences. The Decade unites scientists, governments, and communities worldwide to boost research and drive urgent action to protect the Earth’s frozen areas. It aims to stimulate international scientific cooperation and foster sustainable development efforts in response to the alarming impact of climate change on glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost.
The Decade underscores the essential role of science not only in understanding rapid changes, but also in enabling evidence-informed decision-making and action: from slowing the loss of glaciers and permafrost, to reducing the risks of sea-level rise and supporting community adaptation.
The ISC currently supports this initiative through the Decade’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is working to develop structures for governance and participation, including Working Groups, as well as to identify deliverables, timelines, and reporting lines to shape an impactful Decade.
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International Polar Year: 2032-2033
The ISC co-leads the 5th International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032-2033, which extends a 150-year tradition of IPYs into an era of unprecedented change in global and polar systems.
The ISC previously supported the launch of the Decade by leading preparation of a background note on socioeconomic impact, vulnerability and adaptation in relation to cryosphere change, and by contributing to brainstorming discussions that shaped initial planning for the Decade.
International days, years, and decades play an important role in raising awareness and driving action on critical issues. The ISC actively supports various key initiatives, including the International Polar Year 2032-2033, the UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (through its Science Missions for Sustainability, an officially endorsed Programme under the Decade), and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability, among others. These initiatives help ensure that global action is taken to protect our planet, livelihoods, cultures, and shared future.
Image by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Read more about International Polar Year: 2032-2033 
Read more about International Polar Year: 2007-2009 
Read more about Get involved in the 5th International Polar Year 
Read more about Call for Bids to host the IPY-5 International Coordination Office | deadline: 6 February 
Read more about Call for IPY-5 National Committees 