Scientists Warn Against Geoengineering Proposals to Combat Climate Change in the Arctic

Wed Oct 22 2025 07:20:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Polar researchers caution that manipulative climate interventions could harm ecosystems and divert attention from necessary fossil fuel reductions.

Dozens of polar scientists have issued a warning against proposed geoengineering efforts aimed at combating climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These controversial techniques, which include artificial ice thickening and the release of particles into the atmosphere, could lead to severe environmental harm and distract from crucial fossil fuel emission reductions. A study published in Frontiers in Science suggests that instead of pursuing these high-risk strategies, countries should focus on achieving net zero emissions.

Plans to fight climate change by manipulating the Arctic and Antarctic environment are dangerous, unlikely to work and could distract from the need to ditch fossil fuels, dozens of polar scientists have warned.

These polar geoengineering techniques aim to cool the planet in unconventional ways, such as artificially thickening sea-ice or releasing tiny, reflective particles into the atmosphere.

They have gained attention as potential future tools to combat global warming, alongside cutting carbon emissions. However, more than 40 researchers say they could bring severe environmental damage and urged countries to simply focus on reaching net zero, the only established way to limit global warming.

Geoengineering - deliberately intervening in the Earth's climate system to counter the impacts of global warming - is one of the most controversial areas of climate research.

Some types are widely accepted - removing planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via planting trees or using machines, for example, are recognised parts of net zero efforts.

But some more radical geoengineering ideas, like reflecting sunlight, are dealing with the symptoms of climate change rather than the causes, said lead author Martin Siegert, professor of geosciences at the University of Exeter.

For supporters, exploring techniques which could help rein in rapidly rising temperatures is deemed necessary. Yet, for opponents, the risks are simply too great, particularly for the fragile polar regions, about which much remains unknown.

The scientists behind the new assessment, published in the journal Frontiers in Science, reviewed the evidence for five of the most widely discussed polar geoengineering ideas. All fail to meet basic criteria for their feasibility and potential environmental risks, they say.

One suggestion includes releasing tiny, reflective particles called aerosols high into the atmosphere to cool the planet, attracting attention among conspiracy theorists who mistakenly attribute these actions to condensation trails from planes.

However, scientists express legitimate concerns about potential disruptions to global weather patterns. The governance issue of who decides to use such geoengineering methods poses further complications, especially in polar regions.

Some geoengineering projects could merely create the illusion of an alternative to cutting emissions, leading to destructive distractions in climate action. Prof. Siegert emphasizes this perspective, highlighting the need for a focus on decarbonisation.

Supporters argue that geoengineering research is essential as a supplement to emission reductions. A recent UK government initiative has offered £60m for such research, but many scientists agree that such projects are unrealistic compared to the imperative for immediate emissions targets.