Context
A new study led by University of Exeter’s Martin Siegert critically assesses five major geoengineering methods aimed at protecting Earth’s polar regions and finds them ineffective, costly, and environmentally risky.
Key Findings of recent study
Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) : Limited effectiveness due to polar darkness, risks of sudden temperature spikes if stopped, high ongoing costs, and potential global climate disruptions.
Sea curtains: Huge technical and logistical challenges, high costs (over $1 billion per km), and harmful impacts on marine life and ocean circulation.
Sea ice management: Ecotoxicity risks from microbeads, impractical scale and energy demands for pumping seawater, and questionable effectiveness coupled with very high costs.
Basal water removal: Energy-intensive, emissions-heavy, and requires constant monitoring.
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