The International Geographical Union Commission on Cold and High Altitude Regions (IGU CHAR) was established to advance the international study of climate change impacts and sustainable development in the polar and high-altitude regions. The goals of this commission are to promote cooperation and exchange of knowledge between different regions of the world, promote international and interdisciplinary research on the rapid changes and risks in the polar and high-altitude regions, and provide scientific support for addressing climate change and sustainable development. IGU CHAR forms an international network of scientists with common interests, promotes worldwide cooperation, and stimulates participation and interaction for young and early-career scientists. Furthermore, IGU CHAR shares information on academic activities and research progress, develops international research projects and organizes international conferences and training workshops.

In 2024, IGU CHAR continued to advance scientific research and international collaboration, focusing on the rapid changes in the polar and high-altitude regions. Two international meetings related to climate and cryospheric changes were successfully held, bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines and countries. In addition to the research and conference activities, the new steering committee and honorary members from different countries and research backgrounds were selected this year. A webpage for IGU CHAR was established, providing a platform for sharing related research progress and activities with the public.

Key Achievements:

• Significant initiatives and projects were carried out, focusing on environmental and geographical aspects of high-altitude regions.
• Emphasis was placed on training and education within the realm of cold and high-altitude geographical areas.
• A new webpage was established to share related events, research progress, photos and videos (http://english.nieer.cas.cn/char/).

A. Steering committee and honorary members

B. Meetings

(1) “International Training Course on Cryosphere Observation, Monitoring, and Research along the Belt and Road”

The International Training Course on Cryosphere Observation, Monitoring, and Research along the Belt and Road was successfully held from August 15 to 26, 2024 in Lanzhou, China. Over 30 trainees from 10 countries and international organizations actively participated in this training course. The topics included cryospheric science and its subdisciplines, methods for observing and processing cryosphere data, earth system multi-sphere interaction, and the role of cryosphere in sustainable development. Experts from different universities and institutes delivered insightful lectures both in person and online.

The course combined intensive classroom training with a field session focusing on sampling techniques for glaciers, permafrost, and snow cover. This program notably strengthened the skills of cryospheric practitioners from developing nations, especially in the High Mountain Asia region, in observing cryosphere variables and researching changes in polar and high-mountain areas.

(2) “International Workshop on Cryosphere and Climate Change”

The International Workshop on Cryosphere and Climate Change took place in Beijing, China, on September 13-14, 2024, with over 100 cryosphere scientists participating. The workshop focused on key topics such as the impact of global warming on cryosphere, sea-level rise, declines in snowpack and ice mass, changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, permafrost thaw emissions, and the communication of science to policymakers. It highlighted the latest research on cryospheric changes, emphasizing the significant global impacts of cryosphere loss. Panel discussions addressed research gaps and future directions, especially in relation to the Paris Agreement and the upcoming Seventh IPCC Assessment Cycle (AR7). The event also explored strategies for effectively communicating these changes to policymakers.