Our ethics
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At Arctic Reflections, our mission is to research, develop, and implement innovative solutions to thicken Arctic sea ice as a climate intervention and adaptation approach, aiming to preserve the ecological balance of the fragile Arctic environment, and to avoid cryospheric climate tipping points. Guided by ethical principles, such as the Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research by AGU (American Geophysical Union), we are committed to ensuring that our work is safe, scientifically sound, transparent, responsible, and globally engaged.
Commitment to Climate and Environmental Integrity
Our primary goal is to address the urgent crisis of Arctic sea ice loss while minimizing unintended consequences. We prioritize methods that align with natural processes and avoid intentionally harming Arctic ecosystems and local indigeneous communities, or exacerbating global climate challenges. We recognize that first and foremost, the pursuit of climate intervention research should not be presented as a replacement or alternative to carbon emissions reduction. Reducing emissions is the primary way to address the changing climate over the long term because it addresses its root causes rather than only its symptoms. However, it is also important to acknowledge the need for adaptation, especially in the Arctic, since there are local impacts that cannot be addressed by emission reductions alone.
Scientific Rigor and Innovation
We are dedicated to rigorous scientific research, peer-reviewed studies, and collaborative innovation. Our team engages with the broader scientific community to ensure our interventions are well-informed, safe, and effective. We emphasize continuous monitoring and evaluation to refine our methods and adapt to new findings. We openly share field test data with the broader scientific community, and we will continue to do so.
Equity, Transparency and Engagement
The Arctic is home to Indigenous peoples whose knowledge and livelihoods are closely tied to the environment. We actively engage with these communities, seek their guidance, and respect their rights and perspectives, while upholding the FPIC (free, prior and informed consent) principle. Their traditional and ecological knowledge is invaluable to the development of our solutions, and we are committed to forming equitable partnerships.
Climate change is a global issue, and interventions in the Arctic may have far-reaching implications. We recognize our responsibility to consider and alleviate potential global side-effects of our work, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to humanity’s collective response to climate change.
We are committed to transparency in our goals, methods, impacts and findings. Our results are shared openly with the public, policymakers, and global stakeholders. We encourage dialogue, welcome scrutiny, and actively seek input from diverse perspectives.
Precautionary Principle
Given the uncertainties and risks inherent in climate intervention, we adhere to the precautionary principle. We consider targeted field tests as essential to validate the potential impacts, and we avoid deploying methods at scale that lack sufficient evidence of safety and efficacy. We prioritize interventions with minimal risk to ecosystems and human communities. Research into ecological and socio-ecological impacts and (unintended) consequences is an integral part of our research and development efforts.
Ethical Collaboration and Funding
We partner with organizations and funders whose values align with our commitment to environmental stewardship, scientific integrity, and equitable climate solutions. We maintain a clear separation between funders and decision making on research and development priorities. We do not accept anonymous funding, or funding from entities whose strategy is not in line with netzero in 2050, or who violate key ethical standards. In particular, we do not accept funding from industries with high emissions, such as fossil fuel companies, unless they have a clear and ambitious pathway towards netzero, nor from entities who advocate for climate interventions as a replacement or delay of ambitious greenhouse gas reductions. All material funding partners will be made public.
Long-Term Vision and Accountability
We aim for sustainable, long-term impacts that prioritize the Arctic’s ecological health and global climate stability. If our interventions prove ineffective or harmful, either globally or locally, we are committed to adapting or halting our efforts and ensuring accountability to all stakeholders.
At Arctic Reflections, we believe in the power of ethical innovation to address the climate crisis responsibly. By working collaboratively, transparently, and with respect for the Arctic’s ecosystems and peoples, we aim to contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.