Chinese Scientists Deploy Innovative Method to Preserve Dagu Glacier: Covering with Reflective Sheets" Date: July 07, 2023 Chinese scientists have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to protect the rapidly melting Dagu Glacier in southwestern China. The researchers are covering a significant portion of the glacier with large white sheets to reflect sunlight and potentially slow down its melting process. The project comes as a response to the alarming loss of over 70% of the glacier's ice over the past 50 years. The team, led by Zhu Bin, a 32-year-old associate professor from Nanjing University, hiked to the glacier's peak, equipped with oxygen canisters and rolls of white fabric. The sheets, made from cellulose acetate, a plant-derived natural fiber, are designed to reflect more than 93% of sunlight, reducing the heat absorbed by the glacier. While acknowledging the limitations of such intervention, Zhu emphasized that the primary solution lies in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. The covering of glaciers with sheets has been shown to slow down the melting process by 50% to 70% in previous studies. However, concerns exist about potential negative effects on local ecosystems and downstream water quality due to chemicals or plastic particles from the sheets. Experts caution that this method may not be applicable to larger, dynamically moving glaciers, as the sheets could be destroyed or compromised. Alternative approaches, such as depositing artificial snow, have been suggested for more extensive glacial coverage. The ultimate goal remains the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change effectively. The Dagu Glacier holds immense significance for the local community, providing drinking water, supporting hydropower generation, and serving as a tourist attraction. However, the accelerating melting poses severe threats to these resources and the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region. The project at Dagu Glacier is supported by the local tourism bureau and Tencent Holdings Ltd., with funding through a sustainability initiative. The scientists plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the reflective sheets over the course of three to five years and assess the environmental impact. The initiative may serve as a potential model for other glaciers in China or elsewhere facing similar challenges. The urgency to act is evident, as glaciers worldwide continue to retreat rapidly, leading to rising sea levels and devastating consequences. While innovative interventions like the use of reflective sheets offer temporary respite, the long-term solution lies in comprehensive efforts to combat climate change and its underlying causes. The fate of Dagu Glacier and its significance as a lifeline for millions of people in Asia underscores the pressing need for concerted global action to address climate change and preserve these vital natural resources for future generations.

Chinese Scientists Deploy Innovative Method to Preserve Dagu Glacier: Covering with Reflective Sheets.

Chinese scientists have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to protect the rapidly melting Dagu Glacier in southwestern China.

The researchers are covering a significant portion of the glacier with large white sheets to reflect sunlight and potentially slow down its melting process.

The project comes as a response to the alarming loss of over 70% of the glacier’s ice over the past 50 years.

The team, led by Zhu Bin, a 32-year-old associate professor from Nanjing University, hiked to the glacier’s peak, equipped with oxygen canisters and rolls of white fabric. The sheets, made from cellulose acetate, a plant-derived natural fiber, are designed to reflect more than 93% of sunlight, reducing the heat absorbed by the glacier.

While acknowledging the limitations of such intervention, Zhu emphasized that the primary solution lies in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

The covering of glaciers with sheets has been shown to slow down the melting process by 50% to 70% in previous studies. However, concerns exist about potential negative effects on local ecosystems and downstream water quality due to chemicals or plastic particles from the sheets.

Experts caution that this method may not be applicable to larger, dynamically moving glaciers, as the sheets could be destroyed or compromised. Alternative approaches, such as depositing artificial snow, have been suggested for more extensive glacial coverage. The ultimate goal remains the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change effectively.

The Dagu Glacier holds immense significance for the local community, providing drinking water, supporting hydropower generation, and serving as a tourist attraction. However, the accelerating melting poses severe threats to these resources and the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.

The project at Dagu Glacier is supported by the local tourism bureau and Tencent Holdings Ltd., with funding through a sustainability initiative. The scientists plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the reflective sheets over the course of three to five years and assess the environmental impact. The initiative may serve as a potential model for other glaciers in China or elsewhere facing similar challenges.

The urgency to act is evident, as glaciers worldwide continue to retreat rapidly, leading to rising sea levels and devastating consequences. While innovative interventions like the use of reflective sheets offer temporary respite, the long-term solution lies in comprehensive efforts to combat climate change and its underlying causes.

The fate of Dagu Glacier and its significance as a lifeline for millions of people in Asia underscores the pressing need for concerted global action to address climate change and preserve these vital natural resources for future generations.