SUMMARY

At a time when the impact of climate change is undeniable, some researchers suggest we need to start work on far more ambitious approaches for tackling these problems. These proposals are often referred to as geoengineering. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien looks at one such concept to deal with the melting of glaciers and sea ice. It's for our series, Tipping Point.

View the transcript of the story.

Short on time? Watch the video and complete the following See, Think, Wonder questions: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

News alternative: Check out our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. Then make a copy and answer these general discussion questions.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where is the glacier that David Holland is studying?
2. Why is Holland studying the Jakobshavn Glacier?
3. What is geoengineering, and how does it work?
4. How could geoengineering help slow or reverse the melting of glaciers like the Jakobshavn Glacier?
5. Who has criticized geoengineering ideas meant to slow the melt of the Thwaites Glacier, and why has he criticized those plans?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• After watching this segment, do you think geoengineering is a reasonable idea for slowing glacial melt? Why or why not?
• What might be some other ways to slow glacial melt?

Media literacy: What else would you like to know to better understand how geoengineering might work? How could you find out?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

This segment is part of a series that explored scientific study of melting glaciers. Journalist Miles O'Brien traveled with scientists to Antarctica and explored ways those scientists are trying to understand climate change, the history of climate stretching back millions of years and the potential future impact of melting glaciers.

Students can check out more in the series here.

After skimming some of the segments, discuss —

• What do you think would be the biggest impact of melting glaciers in places like Antarctica and Greenland?
• What do you think is the best way for scientists to determine how glacial melt will impact people living in coastal areas?
• What strategies seem most likely to help slow or reverse the melting of glacial ice?

For those students and teachers who have watched some or all of the series, News Hour has created a survey that will help guide future decisions about climate coverage. You can help shape that coverage by taking the survey here.

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