The IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, or SROCC, came another step closer to being realized this month as authors met for an intensive few days in Quito – MRI Executive Director Dr. Carolina Adler among them.

The SROCC is one of three special reports that the IPCC, the leading body for assessing the science related to climate change, will be releasing over the next two years. Containing a careful assessment of changes in the ocean and cryosphere – the areas of the planet in which water is found in its solid state as ice or snow – the SROCC report aims to support policymakers in their understanding of the physical and social dimensions of climate change, the risks and challenges we face as a result, and our options for adapting to them.

The Second SROCC Lead Author Meeting took place 12-16 February in Quito, Ecuador, and brought together around 100 experts from more than 30 countries to continue their work towards the First Order Draft of the report, which will be circulated for expert review in May 2018. As a lead author of the chapter focused on changes in high mountain regions, MRI Executive Director Dr. Carolina Adler was among their number.

“This report is an important acknowledgement of key Earth systems for ecosystems and humanity, the oceans and the cryosphere, and how these are being affected by processes of climatic change” said Dr. Adler. “For instance, we are already seeing significant changes in mountain regions as a result of our changing climate. These could have serious implications for water and food security, biodiversity, and economic growth going forward.”

As part of the event, Dr. Adler also gave a presentation highlighting mountains in a changing climate at an outreach event aimed at the public and press. “I hope that the work we are doing as part of this IPCC report will contribute towards a better understanding of mountains as unique socio-ecological systems, and support the development of appropriate policies for adaptation and sustainable development,” Dr. Adler added.

Incorporating and assessing new evidence of climate change in the cryosphere from the physical and social sciences and humanities was highlighted as a key need for the assessment going forward, with a call made to the general mountain research community to engage with their mountain-specific research findings. In response to this need, MRI has been involved in the coordination of two key scientific journal issues addressing climate change in mountains and the cryosphere to be published in Regional Environmental Change (see call here) and Mountain Research and Development (see call here). Other studies submitted for publication in 2018 are also encouraged, and eligible for consideration. If you have suggestions for relevant publications for review, please submit bibliographic details via this online form.