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 proposal was submitted by Artic Reflections under an older version of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process (MDRP) (PDF).
• In February 2024, the development of this methodology was put on hold due to 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).
• In March 2026, Verra reassessed the priority of methodologies under development and decided to keep this proposal on hold.
• 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.