this post was submitted on 16 Mar 2024
71 points (98.6% liked)

science

14779 readers
25 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

<--- rules currently under construction, see current pinned post.

2024-11-11

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Summary

An experiment is underway in the Arctic to save its sea ice from vanishing due to global warming. Scientists are pumping seawater onto the ice to thicken it, aiming to reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed by the dark ocean surface. This approach, part of the controversial field of geoengineering, faces skepticism from many experts who argue it could have unforeseen consequences and distract from the urgent need to cut carbon emissions. While the researchers stress that their efforts are still in the experimental stage, they acknowledge that geoengineering is not a standalone solution and that reducing emissions remains paramount. Despite the challenges, they believe innovative approaches are necessary to address the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice, which poses serious threats to the planet's ecosystems and climate.

top 13 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] [email protected] 14 points 8 months ago

Good luck pumping enough water to make any noticeable effect

[–] [email protected] 11 points 8 months ago

you have to bring the ice from another planet to be effective, everyone knows that!

[–] [email protected] 10 points 8 months ago

What a sad fucking planet we live on. I hate this timeline.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Documentary Narrator: Fortunately, our handsomest politicians came up with a cheap, last minute way to combat global warming. Ever since 2063, we simply drop a giant ice cube into the ocean now and again.

Suzie: Just like daddy puts in his drink every morning. Then he gets mad.

Documentary Narrator: Of course, because the greenhouse gasses are still building up, it takes more and more ice each time, thus solving the problem once and for all.

Suzie: But...

Documentary Narrator: Once and for all!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Worth a try, and we will at least gain some knowledge.

I feel we are going to need every little bit of help in the coming years.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

First step is taking power from the generations that made this mess.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I'm more or less one of those, and I'm fine with it.

Vote more, and it will start to happen.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

voting alone is insufficient

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

It's an important part of it

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

What could possibly go wrong?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago
[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

@Squire1039 would creating a water "speed bump" of sorts - like a short wall or stack of rocks - around the Arctic have any effect? Dumping sea water may have the reverse effect, no?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

I wouldn't know about the speed bump. They are dumping the water on the ice to refreeze it, though.