Arctic Reflection Project: Using ‘Silica Micro-Beads’ to Save Arctic Ice

The biggest victim of climate change is the Arctic ice. In February 2026, scientists launched a controversial project called ‘Arctic Reflection’ due to the alarming rate at which the ice has melted in recent years.

The project’s main goal is to enhance the ice’s reflectivity using fine glass-like spheres known as silica micro-beads. This is the most talked about geo-engineering news of 2026.

Scientists have found that when ice melts and dark water emerges, it absorbs more sunlight, causing the ice to melt more quickly. This is called the ‘albedo effect’.

In the 2026 mission, special aircraft spread several tons of eco-friendly silica sand in select areas of the North Pole.

these sand particles reflect sunlight back into space, keeping the ice layer below relatively cool. The successful implementation of this technology means reducing the rate of melting of the Arctic ice by at least 25%.

However, there is a global debate about the economic and environmental risks of this project. Some scientists believe that this artificial sand could affect the food chain of marine animals.

Countries like Russia, aiming to extract mineral resources from the Arctic, oppose this project. The IPCC’s 2026 special report states that we have limited time and cannot protect the Arctic without innovative solutions.

If these silica sands yield positive results by the end of 2026, it will be a significant achievement for humans in artificially cooling the Earth.