Ice Ice Baby

 Date: December 12, 2024 

Author: Laura Paddison 

Link:A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risks | CNN 

Ice Ice Baby 

 

Another plot twist in the never-ending story of climate change, a group of scientists and entrepreneurs in a small village in Nunavut, Canada, are trying to refreeze the Arctic. Their project, called Real Ice, involves “pumping seawater onto the ice to freeze it and make it thicker.” Yes, you read that right, pumping seawater onto ice because when it comes to saving the planet, why not just add more water? 

The goal is to cover an area bigger than California with thicker ice. It’s better than nothing but let’s be honest, we’ve been hearing about saving the planet for years yet here we are still figuring out how to keep ice from melting. At this point, it feels like we just need someone to invent a giant freezer for the Arctic. 

Now, some scientists are questioning it too, (shocker!). They argue that these methods are untested and could distract us from the real issue; our love for fossil fuels. Real Ice insists their approach is inspired by nature and is a last chance to protect a rapidly disappearing ecosystem. I guess they think if mother nature is busy, she won’t notice we’re still polluting like there's no tomorrow. 

Aside from the jokes, the situation is serious. Arctic sea ice has shrunk by 95% since the 1980s, and experts say we could be iceless by the 2030s. This loss isn’t just a problem for polar bears, it affects the whole planet. 

Real Ice’s plan involves using pumps to bring seawater to the surface, where it freezes and adds thickness to the ice. They say they added an average of “20 inches of ice” in the areas they tested last winter. That’s nice and all, but it’s a bit like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Sure, it looks good on the outside, but we all know it’s not fixing the real problem. 

Many experts are skeptical. A scientist, Jennifer Francis, says that while local ice can be made thicker, she doubts this plan will make a real difference in the fight against climate change. Liz Bagshaw, another expert, warns that these projects could have unexpected effects on the environment.  

As we watch this experiment unravel, let’s hope it’s not just another chapter in the disappointing novel of climate change solutions that go absolutely nowhere.  

 

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