London: The Arctic, a critical regulator of global temperatures, is losing its icy shield at an alarming rate. Reflecting sunlight back into space, Arctic ice plays a vital role in keeping the planet cool. However, decades of rapid melting have jeopardized this balance, and scientists predict ice-free Arctic summers could arrive as early as the 2030s.
A Bold Initiative: Artificial Sea Ice
In response to this crisis, UK-based startup Real Ice has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to refreeze parts of the Arctic by creating artificial sea ice. The initiative aims to slow, or even reverse, the seasonal loss of ice.
Experiments are currently underway in Cambridge Bay, a remote region in Canada’s Arctic. The process involves deploying electric pumps to draw seawater to the surface through holes in the ice. Once exposed to the freezing Arctic air, the water solidifies, adding extra layers to the existing ice.
Promising Results from Initial Tests
Early tests in Alaska demonstrated the durability of the equipment in harsh conditions, while more recent trials in Cambridge Bay have added up to 20 centimeters of ice. Real Ice plans to scale these efforts, targeting ice thickening of 40–80 centimeters across vast areas.
The project envisions covering 100,000 square kilometers—double the size of California—with thicker, more reflective ice. Achieving this would require deploying 500,000 submersible drones and an annual budget of $6 billion.
Controversy and Challenges
While the vision is ambitious, critics have raised concerns about potential environmental risks and the feasibility of such a large-scale project. Some experts warn of possible disruptions to Arctic ecosystems, while others argue that the initiative could detract from addressing the root causes of climate change.
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However, Real Ice co-executive Andrea Ceccolini defends the initiative, stating, “Doing nothing poses a far greater risk.” The team acknowledges the challenges but believes the project is an essential step in mitigating the rapid loss of Arctic ice.
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Balancing Innovation and Caution
As the Arctic continues to face unprecedented threats, the debate over geoengineering solutions like Real Ice’s project highlights the urgency of tackling climate change through both innovation and global cooperation.
