Scientists Warn Polar Geoengineering Risks Worsening Arctic Climate

A coalition of over 40 polar scientists has warned that geoengineering proposals aimed at refreezing Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets, such as deploying sea curtains, artificially thickening sea ice, or injecting reflective aerosols into the atmosphere, are unlikely to protect the planet from global warming and could cause severe environmental harm. These interventions are considered scientifically questionable, financially costly, and politically risky, potentially diverting critical resources and public attention from the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero carbon targets by 2050. Experts caution that such measures may exacerbate the fragile polar ecosystems, disrupt marine life, and fail to address the root causes of climate change, offering a false sense of security to fossil fuel industries resistant to decarbonization. The consensus emphasizes that true climate mitigation depends on rapid and deep emission cuts, with geoengineering seen as a distraction rather than a viable solution. As the Arctic becomes a focal point of geopolitical competition intensified by melting ice and climate change, the need for cooperation and preparedness is also highlighted to avoid conflict. Overall, the scientific community calls for prioritizing decarbonization efforts over risky and unproven technological fixes in polar regions.