After a decade, the successful conclusion of ACSYS lead to the birth of CliC thus, the importance of cryosphere in the climate system has stayed in the forefront of research and development across the world. CliC affiliated experts, following the successful legacy of ACSYS, continue to make significant contribution to the preparation and outcome of the seminal Second International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP II, November 2005). CliC organized the development of two science plans, Terrestrial Cryospheric and Hydrologic Processes and Systems (Science Plan 7), and Modelling and Predicting Arctic Weather, Climate, and Ecosystems (Science Plan 9), as well as a special session on global observations and the impact on Arctic programs. CliC leads implementation of the ICARP recommendations on terrestrial cryospheric and hydrologic systems and co-ordination of Arctic weather and climate modelling activities with other Arctic organizations. Following the conference, the European Polar Board decided to initiate a trans-national programme in polar science. It was also acknowledged that co-ordination by funding agencies to support diverse Arctic science programs was essential. A further outcome was a co-ordinated plan to develop a Sustaining Arctic Observing Network (SAON), engaging research and operational entities. CliC together with International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) and National Science Foundation (NSF), were founding members of the initiative, which has grown into a major initiative of the Arctic Council.