Methodology for Arctic Ice Thickening

The proposed new methodology applies to projects that implement activities to preserve or restore the Arctic sea ice sheet by pumping water on the ice during the winter to thicken it. Thicker sea ice in the winter ensures the ice lasts longer into the warmer months, which increases the direct cooling impact of sea ice reflecting incoming solar energy.

The methodology idea note was submitted by Arctic Reflections (opens on external site) and is on hold, as per Section 3.1.7(2) of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process, 4.3 (PDF). The methodology idea note was put on hold due to the following reasons:

• The proposal has low climate change mitigation potential expected in the next few years, when compared to other methodologies already under development.
• Potential unmitigable social, environmental, legal or regulatory risks, specifically the quantification of albedo management (non-CO2 effects) into CO2e effects. Further scientific evidence is required to gain stakeholder consensus on the conversion of summer sea ice (or other measurable impacts from the project activity).
• Limited availability of Verra staff and resources to perform reviews throughout the methodology development process.
  Verra will reconsider this proposal if the issues above are addressed.

Verra will reassess whether to resume the development of this methodology in Q3 2027

Stakeholders interested in collaborating during methodology development or developing projects that this methodology might enable are encouraged to contact methodologies@verra.org. Please include the Methodology Development ID# M0281 in the subject line.