The Arctic region has been melting away because of global warming, and scientists are now trying to hack the climate of the whole region.
More specifically, they are working on attempts to refreeze the Arctic region.
Refreezing the Arctic Region
Such efforts would cover a slate of projects, with some of them already carried out. These projects are to be implemented in order to cool the region through sunlight reflection.
This was noted in a new video short posted in the Wall Street Journal.
One of these efforts involves the pumping of water up to the surface. This is where it would freeze and form a layer of protection over the snow of the Arctic region.
Another experiment involves scientists scattering glass beads that are reflective on top of the snow. This would be done in order to reflect the harsh rays of the Sun.
All of these efforts are geoengineering forms. These techniques are done in order to mold certain environmental aspects to offset climate change dangers.
The serious contemplation of such efforts just shows that collective efforts for mitigation are not sufficient. Last year, the Arctic region saw its warmest year on the record.
ALSO READ: Decline of Arctic Sea Ice: Six Ways Loss of Frozen Seawater Could Affect Humans
Shield Against Heat
The video reveals Arctic Reflections, a Dutch startup, showcasing the depths of the experiment that involves pumping seawater over specific areas in the Arctic Sea that are strategically chosen. These are done in order to restore the ice of the Arctic region as a heat shield through thickening winter ice.
Fonger Ypma, the CEO of Arctic Reflections, noted that they were inspired by the Dutch manner of trying to construct ice skating rinks.
Ypma actually referenced Ijsmeesters, or ice masters, who flood fields in order to come up with ice rinks. The thought comes with taking inspiration from these masters. With this, people may place some protective ice that could thicken and maintain the region a little longer until other technologies for reducing global carbon emissions would emerge.
The CEO noted that the ice could become regenerative once more.
However, the proof of such efforts would be "in the pudding." Moreover, this would also just be a band aid solution to the pressing problem of global climate change.
Arctic Ice Melting
The rate at which Arctic ice is shrinking is nearly 13% a decade. Moreover, in the last three decades, the thickest and oldest Arctic ice has plummeted by a whopping 95%.
This has prompted climate scientists to warn that the Arctic region may see ice-free summers by 2040.
These could yield global implications. For one, the Arctic and Antarctic are considered the world's refrigerators. They play a crucial role in balancing out other areas of the world that take in heat, since they are covered in ice and snow that reflect heat outward.
With less ice, less heat gets reflected. This could result in stronger heat waves all over the world and more extreme winters.
On top of this, since 1900, global average sea levels have gone up by roughly seven to eight inches. Small island nations and coastal cities may get endangered due to these rising seas.
There are also grave implications when it comes to shipping, food, wildlife, and permafrost. Overall, the melting of ice in the Arctic region is not a good sign for the whole world.
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