‍What’s happening? The UK government recently rejected proposals to use solar radiation management (SRM) in Antarctica, a geoengineering technique aimed at deflecting sunlight to combat climate change. The decision, citing significant environmental risks, comes as global attention turns to geoengineering solutions to address the climate crisis. While SRM may seem like a potential fix, experts warn that such interventions could bring severe ecological damage, especially in sensitive regions such as Antarctica. The UK government, however, remains committed to geoengineering research, supporting a £56.8m ($70.8m) initiative to explore small-scale experiments aimed at mitigating global warming. Critics argue that these approaches are distractions from the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and limit warming to 1.5C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. (Bloomberg)

Why does this matter? Antarctica, like the Arctic, is experiencing the effects of climate change more rapidly than many other parts of the world. The region has warmed significantly over recent decades, with the Antarctic Peninsula experiencing a rise in average summer temperatures of over 3C between 1970 and 2020. Moreover, the Southern Ocean has absorbed up to 75% of excess heat and 40% of CO2 from human activity, which is already impacting  marine life and ecosystems. The consequences of continued climate change in Antarctica will have global implications, including shifts in ocean currents and rising sea levels, affecting millions worldwide. Even under the most optimistic scenarios for reducing emissions, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may reach a critical threshold, triggering irreversible ice loss and potentially setting off a chain reaction of global climate tipping points.

Engineering the earth – This has led some scientists to suggest geoengineering the polar environment, attempting to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Commonly suggested methods include spraying reflective particles into the atmosphere or thickening sea ice artificially. While geoengineering offers a potential avenue for addressing climate change, experts warn that it is a dangerous and impractical solution for polar regions.  

Danger of distraction  – A recently published study that evaluated five geoengineering methods, concluded that all were infeasible due to time, resources and scale. Furthermore, geoengineering methods also fail to address the root cause of climate change – carbon emissions. By focusing on geoengineering, it creates a false impression that we can solve the crisis without addressing fossil fuel emissions. The UK government’s commitment of money to geoengineering research must not overshadow the primary goal of achieving net-zero emissions and investing in decarbonisation.

The unknown – Geoengineering in Antarctica might seem like a solution to a growing climate crisis, but it risks interfering with a system that scientists still do not fully understand. Another recent study has emphasised the interdependence of Antarctica’s ice, ocean and ecosystems and current abrupt changes to its function. Changing one part of this system could have unpredictable, far-reaching consequences. For instance, rapid changes in sea-ice cover are already affecting glacial stability and marine species. By attempting to engineer solutions, we may disrupt natural systems that are already under strain, exacerbating the situation and triggering cascading feedback loops. This is why many scientists are calling for more research into the risks of geoengineering, urging us to prioritise the reduction of emissions over trying to artificially manipulate the climate.

The root cause – The key takeaway from the ongoing debate over geoengineering in Antarctica is the importance of addressing the root cause of climate change, not distracting from it. While geoengineering methods may offer temporary relief in localised areas, they fail to tackle the fundamental issue of global warming at the scale or speed needed and could potentially lead to irreversible environmental damage. As scientists warn, the interconnectedness of the Antarctic system makes it highly sensitive to external manipulation. The focus must be on achieving global decarbonisation, reducing emissions and investing in sustainable climate solutions, rather than looking for quick fixes that may cause more harm than good.