A “crazy” plan to save the Arctic

Scientists wearing parkas are pumping salt water over ice off Canada's northern coast with the aim of slowing global warming. BBC writes.

As sea ice disappears, the dark ocean surface can absorb more of the sun's energy, accelerating temperature rise. The researchers then want to make the ice thicker to prevent it from melting, the BBC writes.

Many scientists strongly disagree, warning that such attempts distract from the crucial step of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and risk doing more harm than good. But a small number of advocates claim their approach could offer a helping hand to the planet as humanity braces itself, the BBC reports.

I don't know if this is a good or bad idea

The project is behind Sean Fitzgerald and his team at the University of Cambridge.

According to the BBC, one researcher described the project as “absolutely crazy.”

– In fact, we don't know enough to decide whether this is a good or bad idea, Fitzgerald told the BBC.

The process involves drilling a hole in sea ice, which forms naturally in winter, and pumping about 1,000 liters of seawater per minute above the surface.

In cold winter air, seawater freezes quickly, helping to thicken the ice above. The water also compresses the ice, and because fresh snow acts as a good insulating layer, ice can now form more easily on the underside that is in contact with the sea, the BBC writes.