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July 29, 2025

Exploring the Future of Arctic Sea Ice Restoration

At Upstream Festival, industry leaders gathered to discuss an urgent issue: the restoration of Arctic sea ice and its impact on climate change. Fonger Ypma, founder and CEO of Arctic Reflections, shared his insights on innovative strategies

The need for restoration

With Arctic sea ice diminishing at an alarming rate, the need for effective restoration strategies is critical. Fonger emphasized the significance of understanding how ice can be thickened to last longer during summer months. This approach not only contributes to ecological stability but also has global cooling benefits.

Innovative strategies for ice thickening

Fonger outlined several methods being explored to enhance ice thickness:

  • Pumping water: By pumping water onto existing ice, a layer can be created that refreezes and increases overall thickness.
  • Remote monitoring: Utilizing technology, teams can track the melting process and assess the effectiveness of their interventions.
  • Field tests: Conducting tests in various environments allows for the refinement of techniques and strategies.

Engaging the community and stakeholders

Fonger noted the importance of engaging stakeholders, including corporate sponsors and philanthropists, to support these initiatives. The collaboration extends beyond financial contributions; it involves sharing knowledge and resources to maximize impact. He encouraged engineers and scientists interested in this mission to reach out and participate.

Measuring impact

One question raised during the session was about quantifying the impact of these restoration efforts. Fonger stated that the ambition is to halt the annual summer sea ice loss, which currently amounts to approximately 100,000 square kilometers each year.

Challenges and opportunities

While the path forward is filled with challenges, Fonger remains optimistic about the potential for innovative solutions. The journey involves continuous learning and adaptation, particularly in balancing ecological impacts with technological advancements. He emphasized that this endeavor is not just about ice restoration, but also about fostering a broader understanding of how climate tech can operate within natural systems.

A call to action

The discussions at Upstream Festival serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve the Arctic and combat climate change. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we can create sustainable solutions for future generations. Fonger Ypma's journey with Arctic Reflections exemplifies the potential of combining technology with environmental stewardship.

You can check out the entire recap here.

And you can already pre-register for Upstream 2026 here.

All updates