Scientists Propose Giant Dam Between Alaska and Russia to Save Ocean Currents

Scientists are floating an ambitious idea to prevent a climate disaster: build a giant dam between Alaska and Russia. The proposed dam would stretch across the Bering Strait, the 80-kilometer-wide gap between Siberia and Alaska.

The goal is to save the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a massive system of ocean currents that works like a conveyor belt. These currents carry warm water north to Europe and cold water south, helping regulate the planet's climate and keeping Europe much warmer than it would be otherwise.

Scientists worry this current system could collapse as the planet warms, which would drastically change weather patterns and temperatures around the world. The proposed dam would try to prevent this by controlling water flow between the Pacific and Arctic oceans.

But many experts are deeply skeptical of the idea. Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, called geo-engineering projects like this "an absolute fool's game." Critics warn the dam could harm Arctic wildlife, disrupt Indigenous communities, and interfere with shipping routes. Some scientists even worry it could make the problem worse instead of better.