A new paradigm from the Arctic

Academics, activists, and Arctic inhabitants are deeply concerned about cryosphere systems at imminent risk of collapse, and yet decades of “consequences-based” lobbying have failed to produce sufficient political will for deep decarbonization.

There are moral imperatives to search for tools that may help stabilize polar Earth systems and to explore knowledge co-production and co-design with Arctic peoples to ensure both local and global benefits.

We propose a “compassionate harm reduction” paradigm, whereby climate scientists prioritize the well-being of humanity and take responsibility to thoroughly understand any potential interventions that might minimize the harm from the consequences of climate change.