Deep Freeze
To combat the melting Arctic due to global warming, scientists are exploring innovative methods to refreeze the region's climate. These geoengineering projects aim to cool the Arctic by reflecting sunlight, as highlighted in a new video from The Wall Street Journal.
One approach involves pumping water to the surface to freeze and form a protective layer over the Arctic snow. Another technique uses reflective glass beads scattered on top of the snow to deflect the Sun's rays. These experiments indicate that current mitigation efforts are insufficient, with last year marking the warmest year on record for the Arctic.
Ice Ice Baby
A Dutch startup, Arctic Reflections, is at the forefront of these efforts. Their project involves pumping seawater onto "strategically chosen locations across the Arctic Sea" to thicken the ice during winter, creating a heat shield effect.
"The Dutch way of trying to build ice rinks for ice skating marathons was inspiration for us," explained Arctic Reflections CEO Fonger Ypma. The concept is to emulate the IJsmeesters, or ice masters, who flood fields to create ice rinks, thereby forming a protective ice layer that can help sustain the Arctic until other technologies can significantly reduce global carbon emissions.
"The ice can become regenerative again," Ypma stated. However, the success of these experiments remains to be seen, and even if effective, they would be temporary measures while the world works towards broader environmental solutions.
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