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. But more than 40 researchers say they could bring 'severe environmental damage' and urged countries to 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, like removing planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via planting trees or using machines.
However, some radical geoengineering ideas, like reflecting sunlight, deal with the symptoms of climate change rather than the causes, say scientists. Concerns include disruption to weather patterns, increased geopolitical tensions in polar regions, and creating a false sense of security that could delay cutting emissions of greenhouse gases.
The assessment concludes that while geoengineering may seem like an option, it ultimately leads back to the necessity of reducing emissions drastically. The scientists behind the review argue further investment in these unproven methods could derail meaningful climate action.
They have gained attention as potential future tools to combat global warming, alongside cutting carbon emissions. But more than 40 researchers say they could bring 'severe environmental damage' and urged countries to 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, like removing planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via planting trees or using machines.
However, some radical geoengineering ideas, like reflecting sunlight, deal with the symptoms of climate change rather than the causes, say scientists. Concerns include disruption to weather patterns, increased geopolitical tensions in polar regions, and creating a false sense of security that could delay cutting emissions of greenhouse gases.
The assessment concludes that while geoengineering may seem like an option, it ultimately leads back to the necessity of reducing emissions drastically. The scientists behind the review argue further investment in these unproven methods could derail meaningful climate action.
