Arctic climate woes may worsen under ‘dangerous’ polar geoengineering

Various proposals, including refreezing Arctic ice and giant underwater sea curtains to save ice sheets have been gaining ground in the midst of worsening climate conditions.

A new study published on Tuesday has shed light on the growing dangers of polar geoengineering that is recommended for Antarctica and Arctic regions, dubbing it a distraction from the real reasons for climate change.

The polar geoengineering techniques are designed to lower the planet’s temperature by using unconventional ways, such as emitting reflective particles in the atmosphere and thickening sea ice.

These techniques have become a divisive issue in the scientific community. The proponents consider these options as valuable to tackle climate calamities.

The naysayers, on the other hand, dubbed geoengineering an unrealistic and dangerous option for the Arctic that could exacerbate Arctic melting.

Rob DeConto, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the US said: “These geoengineering proposals are unimaginably expensive and risky for fragile polar environments. They also detract attention from the root cause of the climate crisis – the unabated burning of fossil fuels, something we know how to begin addressing using established technologies.

“Counting on these geoengineering concepts to save the day is both dangerous and unrealistic,” he added.

Martin Siegert, a glaciologist and author of study said, “These ideas are often well-intentioned, but they’re flawed, leading to unintended consequences.”

“How the UK spends its research and innovation money surely must be prioritised alongside its commitments to decarbonising,” he suggested.

Incorporating sea curtains are also not bereft of dangers as these can disrupt the marine ecosystem and harm species like whales and seals. Moreover, the process of drilling holes in seabed could contaminate the waters through sediments.

In addition, as reported by the study, the spray of particles into the stratosphere could dangerously alter climate patterns.

The geoengineering experiments, funded by the UK government, were revealed in May and the trials are expected to start in winter.