Dutch startup proposes innovative solution to Arctic ice melt

Arctic Reflections, a Dutch startup, is exploring an innovative approach to mitigate the rapid melting of Arctic ice, inspired by the traditional Dutch method of creating outdoor skating rinks. As Arctic ice shrinks by almost 13% a decade, the startup aims to employ wind-powered pumps to add layers of water onto the ice surface during winter, allowing it to refreeze and potentially increase the ice thickness. This method, already in field tests by Bangor University spinoff Real Ice in Canada, seeks to enhance the ice's albedo effect and preserve the Arctic's crucial role in reflecting the sun's rays. While the idea faces scepticism regarding scalability and long-term impact, proponents argue it could offer a temporary respite for local ecosystems and Indigenous communities affected by ice loss. The initiative underscores the urgency of finding immediate interventions alongside long-term solutions to the climate crisis. (The Guardian)