In a desperate attempt to save the melting Thwaites “Doomsday” glacier in Western Antarctica, geoengineers have proposed an audacious plan that could cost a staggering $50 billion. Led by John Moore, a glaciologist at the University of Lapland in Finland, the team aims to surround the glacier with enormous, 62-mile-long curtains to keep out warm water and prevent further melting. The Thwaites glacier is of great concern due to its potential to cause a two-foot rise in sea levels if it were to collapse.
The primary cause of the ice sheet’s melting is the warming of ocean currents that batter it, rather than the ambient temperature of the region. Moore initially suggested building a wall in the Amundsen Sea to divert the warm currents but has since favored “seabed anchored curtains” as a potentially cheaper and reversible solution. The curtains would act as a barrier against warm water, offering protection to the vulnerable glacier.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, Moore and his team are conducting tests using a three-foot-long prototype in water tanks. Their goal is to scale up to a 33-foot-long curtain, which they will test in a Norwegian fjord within the next two years. The testing phase aims to identify any potential risks or unforeseen consequences before implementing the curtains on a larger scale.
Critics argue that this plan is merely a band-aid solution that distracts from the underlying issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They believe that efforts should be focused on addressing the root cause rather than investing billions in colossal structures. However, Moore emphasizes the urgency of taking action now, as reducing emissions alone may not be enough to save the Thwaites glacier. Recent research has shown that massive cracks appearing in the ice sheet could accelerate its melting, potentially leading to its collapse sooner than anticipated.
“The glacier doesn’t really care anymore about what humans want to do about their emissions,” Moore explains. “At that point, that’s when you need these other tools in the box.” While the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive project are undeniable, Moore believes that the potential consequences of inaction outweigh the risks associated with the curtain proposal.
The $50 billion price tag may seem exorbitant, but Moore puts it into perspective by comparing it to the cost of sea-level protection worldwide. Coastal defenses alone are estimated to cost $50 billion per year per meter of sea level rise. Therefore, investing in a solution to protect the Thwaites glacier could potentially save significant costs in the long run.
As the research and testing continue, the fate of the Thwaites glacier hangs in the balance. The urgency to find innovative solutions to combat climate change and its devastating effects on our planet has never been greater. While critics may question the feasibility and effectiveness of the curtain proposal, it represents a bold attempt to preserve one of Earth’s most critical natural wonders. Only time will tell if this ambitious plan can save the “Doomsday” glacier from its impending demise.