Global Outlook for Ice and Snow provides an up-to-date, concise review of the state of the environment and the trends in ice and snow-covered regions (cryosphere) of the world. It features case studies, illustrations, graphics and maps and serves as an educational and reference publication. With a broad target audience that includes decision-makers at many levels, the report looks at the significance of changes in the cryosphere to human well-being and the implications for policy.

The assessment is written by teams of experts from many disciplines and many countries. Leading research organizations were involved in preparing and reviewing this unique report. Global Outlook for Ice and Snow was launched on World Environment Day, 5 June 2007, in cities around the world.

Table of contents:

• 1 Highlights
• 2 Why are Ice and Snow Important to Us?
• 3 Why are Ice and Snow Changing?
• 4 Snow
• 5 Ice in the Sea
• 6 Ice on the Land
• 6A Ice Sheets
• 6B Glaciers and Ice Caps
• 6C Ice and Sea- level Change
• 7 Frozen Ground
• 8 River and Lake Ice
• 9 Policy and Perspectives