Preserve the ice memory for future generations

Ice Memory: How does philanthropy support the Ice Memory initiative and how crucial is this support in advancing the project?

Anne-Catherine Ohlmann, co-founder and Director of the Ice Memory Foundation: 

Since 2015, the economic model of the Ice Memory initiative has been based on a balance between public funding from scientific institutions and philanthropic funding from civil society. Philanthropy has played an absolutely crucial role in the development of Ice Memory. Indeed, it has enabled us to get off to a quick start and to benefit from donations of specific equipment. 

The diversity of our partners — from corporate actors such as Thermo Fischer Scientific to family Foundations like Didier and Martine Primat Foundation— has been essential. Each has contributed in a complementary way, enabling Ice Memory to finance expeditions, support scientific excellence, and build the infrastructure needed to preserve ice cores for future generations. This collective commitment has contributed, along with the scientific institutions, to achieve the today’s result. 

[IM]: The delivery of the first two ice cores to Concordia marks a major milestone. What does this moment represent for the Ice Memory Foundation and for the philanthropic partners who have supported this scientific and human adventure since its inception?

[ACO]: The delivery of the first two Ice Memory ice cores to Concordia marks an important milestone for the Ice Memory Foundation. It is tangible proof that international collaboration works, that universal values of trust in science are in motion. This sanctuary is now open to the entire international scientific community. We have succeeded in our challenge and proven that our partners were right to believe in our initiative and in the vision of Ice Memory. 

Together, we have preserved a unique and irreplaceable archive of Earth's climate history. This achievement belongs to all those who chose to act now, knowing that some opportunities cannot be postponed.

[IM]: In the context of the climate emergency, what role does philanthropy play today in preserving the memory of glaciers and passing on these unique archives to future generations?

[ACO]: Faced with the accelerating melting of glaciers, philanthropy plays an essential role in our race against time. The support of our philanthropic partners enables Ice Memory to act quickly and flexibly.

Beyond funding, philanthropy embodies a commitment from civil society in all its diversity. It is truly a shared responsibility. Symbolically, we are all committed. 

By supporting Ice Memory, our donors are helping to ensure that tomorrow's scientists will have access to unique climate archives, which are essential for understanding past changes and anticipating those to come.

Every ice core preserved by Ice Memory is an irreplaceable page of our planet’s history. Continuing to support the Ice Memory Foundation means taking concrete action for science, knowledge transmission, and the common good.

[IM]: Now, what the Ice Memory Foundation is preparing for the next 2 years? 

[ACO]: At a time when glaciers are disappearing at an unprecedented rate, mobilizing new and renewed support is more crucial than ever. At first, we are targeting new drillings.
This requires scientific and logistical support from institutions all over the world as well as philanthropic support to fund these operations.  

Together, we can ensure that this fragile memory of the Earth is preserved — before it is lost forever.