In some mountains of China, the glaciers present an unusual appearance, covered by extensive white surfaces that contrast with the dark rock. However, global warming has led the country to take measures to curb the melting and preserve these gigantic blocks of ice.
Far from an aesthetic intervention, it is a scientific response to the acceleration of melting caused by rising temperatures. Thus, the Asian country is testing emergency solutions to protect its most vulnerable cryosphere.
A simple solution to a global challenge
The method involves covering sections of the ice with white geotextile blankets, designed to reflect solar radiation and provide thermal insulation.
In this way, the glacier absorbs less heat during the critical summer months and reduces its melting rate. China applies this technique in specific areas as part of its studies on the impact of global warming.
The Dagu glacier as a natural laboratory
One of the most emblematic cases is found in the Dagu glacier, in Sichuan province. There, around 500 square meters of ice were covered during the summer period, when melting reaches its peak.
After removing the blankets, the protected ice showed a notably greater thickness than the exposed areas.
How the blankets act on the ice
The operation does not involve artificially cooling the glacier, but rather modifying its relationship with solar energy. By increasing the albedo, the blankets reflect a large part of the radiation that would otherwise turn into heat.
Additionally, the geotextile acts as a partial barrier against warm air, reducing direct thermal transfer.
Visible results, but with clear limits
Subsequent measurements indicated melting reductions of up to 34% in the covered areas of the Dagu glacier.
In similar experiences, both in China and Europe, the summer declines reached even higher percentages.
However, the effect is strictly limited to the protected areas, while the rest of the glacier continues to retreat.
Why it is not a massive solution
The main difficulty is not scientific, but logistical and environmental. Covering large ice areas would require high costs, complex transportation, and constant material management.
Moreover, the blankets must be removed each season and, if not controlled, can become waste in fragile ecosystems.
China facing accelerated glacier loss
Since 1960, China has lost about a quarter of its glacier surface.
In regions like the Tibetan plateau and the Qilian mountains, this retreat threatens water supply and increases natural risks. Therefore, even partial solutions acquire strategic value.
Concrete benefits of an emergency measure
Geotextile blankets allow the protection of critical areas, water infrastructures, and high-value tourist areas. They also help reduce immediate risks associated with floods or sudden ice collapses.
Although they do not solve the underlying problem, these interventions buy time while progress is made in reducing emissions.
A tool that does not replace climate action
The Chinese experience demonstrates that technology can mitigate specific impacts of global warming. However, the melting will continue as long as temperatures keep rising.
The blankets can block the sun for a summer, but the definitive solution still lies in a profound change in the global energy model.
