Can We Refreeze the Arctic? Bold Experiment Begins

In Cambridge Bay, Canada, a novel geoengineering experiment by Real Ice is showing early success in artificially thickening Arctic sea ice. By pumping ocean water onto existing ice during winter, the project aims to counteract the accelerating melt caused by climate change.

The experiment, funded by the UK government, has already thickened the ice by up to 50cm, making it more resilient at the start of the melt season. This re-iced area is also unexpectedly brighter, reflecting more sunlight back into space than natural ice.

Researchers are also developing autonomous underwater drones to potentially scale up these efforts. These drones, designed to operate beneath the ice, could make the process more efficient and cost-effective for large-scale ice restoration.

While promising, the project faces scrutiny. Some scientists caution that geoengineering could be an expensive distraction from essential emissions cuts and may have unforeseen ecological consequences. The Real Ice team is focused on researching the effectiveness, side-effects, and economic viability of their approach.