This 'Crazy' Plan To Save Arctic Sea Ice Might Just Work—And Scientists Are On It

Positioned on sea ice off Canada’s northern coast, a group of parka-clad scientists observes saltwater pumping over the frozen ocean, hoping their experiment will slow the effects of global warming.

The researchers’ objective is to thicken the sea ice to prevent it from melting away, as thinning ice leaves dark ocean surfaces exposed, which in turn absorbs more of the Sun's energy and accelerates warming.

This project is one of the more unconventional methods of geoengineering—a field focused on deliberately altering Earth's climate system to counteract the damage caused by human activity.

Geoengineering encompasses familiar strategies like planting more trees and burying carbon underground, but these scientists are venturing into experimental territory by aiming to reduce the energy the Earth absorbs.

Many in the scientific community are critical of such approaches, arguing that they distract from the crucial goal of reducing carbon emissions and pose unknown risks.

One researcher summed up the debate by calling it “quite insane.”Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald of the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Climate Repair, however, believes these efforts could provide temporary relief while society works on larger solutions.

"We don't actually know enough to determine whether this is a good idea or bad idea," admits Dr. Fitzgerald, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding their efforts.