• highlight the plight of the cryosphere, the rapid changes taking place there and their global consequences;
• inform climate negotiators and the global community of the important differences in the climate dynamics driving cryosphere climate change;
• bring together networks of NGOs, scientists and policymakers to develop policy solutions based specifically on cryosphere climate needs;
• help obtain funding for integrated projects across regions and disciplines, bringing together a range of organizations and individuals (for example Arctic, Himalayan and Antarctic black carbon experts) not normally in contact.

            A focus on CO2 and successful Copenhagen and post-Copenhagen negotiations will remain the basis for any long-term efforts to preserve as much of the cryosphere as possible, and ICCI will serve as a strong advocate for CO2 efforts through highlighting the implications of CO2-driven cryosphere climate change for the globe.  However, where other solutions seem indicated by the science, and for the near-term climate benefit required to address climate change in the cryosphere, ICCI will also work to bring these to light.

            The ICCI timeline will focus on a five-year timeline of work, from 2010-2015; aiming in a sense to work itself out of existence by making cryosphere issues an integral part of the climate debate, and establishing organizational networks that become self-sustaining.  Currently a not-for-profit consulting firm, ICCI is working towards non-profit status in both the U.S. and EU.