Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss, but scientists are skeptical

Ralf Greve (left) and John C. Moore (right), authors of the study. (Photo: Ralf Greve, John Moore)
Ralf Greve (left) and John C. Moore (right), authors of the study. (Photo: Ralf Greve, John Moore)

A recent study suggests that geoengineering might help slow the loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which could potentially reduce the rise in sea levels caused by ice melt. The study, led by Professor John C. Moore and Professor Ralf Greve, used supercomputer modeling to examine the impact of a geoengineering technique called stratospheric aerosol injection on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The technique involves adding aerosols to the stratosphere to increase the Earth's albedo and create a cooling effect. The following information is about the results obtained from SICOPOLIS simulations that compared the changes in the thickness of the Greenland Ice Sheet between GeoMIP G4 and RCP4.5. According to the study conducted by John C. Moore, Ralf Greve, et al. and published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface on November 27, 2023, the injection of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere will have a significant protective effect on the margins of the ice sheet. As a result of this injection, the thickness of the ice sheet's margins, represented in yellow and red, will remain thicker.

The study found that adding five million metric tons of sulfur dioxide to the stratosphere each year could limit ice loss to around 37.6 millimeters of sea-level rise, compared to the 90 millimeters projected under the worst-case scenario. However, scientists have warned that geoengineering is a highly contentious topic and more research and diverse perspectives are needed before considering such interventions. This image shows the estimated loss of mass from the Greenland ice sheet between 1990 and 2090, expressed as a contribution to sea level rise. It represents the impact of three different conditions: RCP8.5 (red line), which represents the worst-case scenario of unabated warming, RCP4.5 (green line), which is an intermediate scenario that could be achievable under current conditions, and GeoMIP G4 (blue line), which is RCP4.5 plus the injection of 5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide per year into the stratosphere during 2020–2070. The image was created by Ralf Greve.

Critics argue that geoengineering diverts attention and resources away from the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the root causes of climate change. Moreover, the potential unintended consequences and ethical implications of altering global weather patterns are concerning.

While the study provides valuable insights into the possible effects of stratospheric aerosol injection, it is essential to approach these findings with caution and consider the broader implications of climate interventions. Ultimately, a wide range of mitigation strategies must be explored, and a sustainable, holistic approach prioritized to address the root causes of global warming.