The Antarctic Ice Sheet is shrinking due to more melting at its margins, which is leading to the acceleration of glaciers into the oceans and an associated increased rate of Sea Level Rise (SLR). The East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) contains about 56 m of potential SLR and is starting to show signs of change. Much of the international focus to-date has been on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet that contains only 3.3 m potential SLR, where signs of retreat were first observed. However, observations of changes in the EAIS and projections of substantial future mass loss from the region have invigorated international focus there.

Particular attention is warranted in assessing the vulnerability and future sea level contributions of glaciers in the Wilkes and Aurora subglacial basins in response to climate warming. These basins contain extensive areas of marine-based ice thought to be vulnerable to rapid and irreversible retreat, and they are largely understudied. Although there is now widespread international interest in EAIS, with the realisation that it could become a large SLR contributor, in general international coordination is lacking. REACT aims to enhance both national and international cooperation.