Geoengineering is emerging as a potential solution to our escalating climate crisis, especially in the Arctic, where temperatures are rising rapidly. However, this field is largely unregulated, with significant ethical and environmental concerns. Our workshop, ‘Geoengineering to Save the Arctic?’ aimed to evaluate geoengineering methods, their impacts on the Arctic system, and the need for robust governance. By bringing together experts from diverse disciplines, rights- and stakeholders, we sought to collect diverse perspectives and knowledge on geoengineering for the Arctic.
On 12 February 2024, an online workshop with 24 invited participants was organized. It initially focused on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) and sea ice albedo increase as examples for global and local geoengineering applications, then addressing geoengineering science and governance more broadly. Discussions highlighted uncertainties and ethical considerations, particularly the risks to the ozone layer and local communities posed by SAI and the effectiveness of Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGMs). Indigenous voices emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making and thorough consultation. A "safe space" for dialogue was proposed to empower Arctic communities and facilitate informed decision-making.
The second workshop, held on 26 March 2024 in Edinburgh, was open to any Arctic Science Summit Week participant, resulting in 36 persons attending. The discussions underscored the importance of transparency, ecological impact assessments, and community engagement. Ethical considerations and inclusive frameworks were highlighted as crucial for responsible governance, emphasizing the need to address reversibility, engage diverse voices, and manage ethical dilemmas in supporting transparent practices that consider all perspectives.
A key outcome was the proposal for a white paper to provide a critical overview of geoengineering methods targeted at the Arctic, discussing pros, cons, and scientific knowledge gaps. It would emphasize interdisciplinary input, define success and failure criteria, and outline research needs for governance, effectively guiding future research and policy.
This second workshop also discussed the role of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) in guiding geoengineering efforts in the region. Recommendations included creating a platform for discourse, considering ethical and economic feasibility, and incorporating exit strategies into research guidelines. Governance and stakeholder involvements were identified as key, with IASC facilitating dialogue and guiding research agendas. Proposed steps forward include publishing a Best Practice Document and engaging diverse stakeholders, with an IASC Action Group leading this initiative.
These workshops highlighted the complexity and urgency of addressing geoengineering in the Arctic, emphasizing the need for inclusive, transparent, and ethically responsible approaches to tackle the challenges presented by geoengineering.
Highlights
- Uncertainties in geoengineering: Significant risks and uncertainties with SAI and HGMs concerning impacts to the ozone layer and ecosystems
- Indigenous involvement: Essential for informed consent and ethical, inclusive decision-making
- Robust governance needed: Establish frameworks like an international review board and Best Practice Document for transparent research and implementation practices
Date and Location
26 March 2024 during the ASSW2024 | Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
IASC Working Groups funding the project
- Atmosphere WG
- Cryosphere WG
- Marine WG
- Social & Human WG
- Terrestrial WG
Project Lead
Gabriela Schaepman-Strub (University of Zurich, EPFL, Switzerland), Julia Schmale (EPFL, Switzerland)
Year funded by IASC
2023