This special issue presents the latest research on cryospheric ecosystems, drawing from contributions at the Cryospheric Ecosystems Conference held in Poznań, Poland, in September 2025 as well as from the global scientific community. Cryospheric environments such as ice sheets, glaciers, snow cover, permafrost, and sea ice are undergoing rapid transformations due to global warming with profound effects on biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and climate feedback mechanisms. Despite their vast extent, our understanding of these ecosystems and their ongoing changes remains limited.

The issue covers investigations of physical and ecological interactions between cryospheric components and their surroundings, emphasizing climate-driven changes. It explores the consequences of cryosphere alterations on biogeochemical cycles, biodiversity patterns, and ecosystem resilience. The impacts of anthropogenic pressures, pollutants, and emerging conservation strategies are assessed as integral parts of these environments. Additionally, the issue highlights advances in remote sensing, modelling, and analytical methods that enhance the monitoring and prediction of cryospheric ecosystem processes. Regional and comparative studies provide an insight into the unique adaptations and challenges faced across polar, mountainous, and high-latitude regions.

Jointly organized by Biogeosciences and The Cryosphere, this interdisciplinary issue reflects the collaborative spirit of the scientific community studying cryospheric ecosystems.

Review process: This inter-journal special issue co-lists papers of different journals. Thereby, each paper was submitted to 1 particular journal and underwent the regular interactive peer-review process of that journal. Depending on the journal, the peer review was handled by regular members of the editorial board and/or by guest editors designated by the journal’s chief/executive editors.