I just returned from the International Workshop on Cryosphere and Climate Change in Beijing, China. Unlike most scientific conferences (IGS, AGU, EGU), this one was explicitly aimed at the science that influences policy and policymakers. It was jointly organised by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) and several Chinese research establishments like the China Society of Cryospheric Science (CSCS) and the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS).
Each session had two keynote speakers: generally an “international” and a Chinese scientist, with the keynotes followed by several shorter talks. Session topics ranged from Mountain Glaciers and Snow (China has a particular interest in this due to the Tibetan Plateau) to Polar Oceans: Acidification, Warming and Freshening. I moderated a panel session on sea ice, and also gave a talk on the changing ice conditions in the Arctic’s Northeast passage.
The science was super interesting, and while the sessions had clear, individual themes (simple messages make it easier to figure out policy implications), I really felt like there was some good cross-cutting chat in the interstices. For instance, I gave a talk that discussed the shallow nature of water that typically sees sea ice retreat (hinting at the potential for natural resource extraction). But the session on permafrost really sparked research connections on the linkages between shallow-water methane storage and permafrost on the sea bed and sea ice decline above. It was amazing to be able to discuss these connections between parts of the cryosphere with top scientists in the relevant fields.
It's not a competition, but sea ice triumphantly wins biggest cryosphere component by area. Although I can perhaps hear the snow-on-the-ground people grumbling somewhere.
I also caught up with friends from previous meetings like COP, which was awesome. It certainly feels like my network has transitioned from a bunch of confused students to an insightful and collaborative cohort of scientists. The food on all three nights was outstanding, with delicacies such as jellyfish and a rather devastating rice wine. Our Chinese hosts were also fantastic, helping us navigate the culture as well as connect with their science.
The conference closed with some non-research talks on communicating science to policymakers, and a summary of the upcoming “State of the Cryosphere” report, for which I’m an expert reviewer for the sea ice chapter. The report will be released in the run up to the Baku COP in November. Some of us managed a dash to the Great Wall after the conference ended, getting the cable car up and walking back down as the sun set. A somewhat adventurous hot-pot meal followed afterwards.
I’m really grateful to the ICCI for funding my flights and accommodation for the trip - I couldn’t have attended without them. More broadly, the ICCI has supported me at a few key times in the last few years to attend policy-relevant events, and that’s been hugely beneficial. For instance, I’m confident that my involvement with them led to my selection as an IASC Fellow, and my involvement in the ICARP process. Scientists: if you get the chance to work with them, you should do it!