There seems to be talks of removing an iceberg from Antartica to supply fresh water to a dry part of the world. If successful, it is certain other countries and private sectors will follow-suit. Eventually stripping Antartica of ice since you’re getting free fresh water (minus cost of transporting the iceberg). Is this a good idea considering Antarctica’s ice shelves have lost millions of metric tons of ice? NO it is not as we will be risking rising sea levels, leading to more natural calamities.
But Why Are We Doing It?
The reason of removing an iceberg from Antartica is due to the environmental impact of water desalination. Desalinating process causes a lot of environment harm. This is literally swapping one environmental problem for another. Ice in both poles act as a form of heat reflectors, keeping the area cool. This leads to more ice and sea water globally. Less melted ice means slower rising sea levels, reducing floods, saving coastal cities worldwide. To understand the effects of rising sea levels, have a quick read here, we will lose 50% of the world’s beaches if sea levels do not stop rising.
So What Should We Do?
We should, however, look at alternative water solutions, as well as ways to reduce waste, use and re-use water efficiently. Whoever thought of aquaponics should be given some sorta prize really, it is an all-in-one sustainable fauna and flora cultivation system. It is the perfect complement for a household: having a reliable source of greens and protein as part of your daily diet, at the same time having a natural avenue for organic waste disposal without any extra fee. Plus when done right, it is a beautiful exterior decoration to the house.
We digress. Let us not forget today’s myopia is tomorrow deathtrap. Every major decision we make today will affect tomorrow severely if not well-thought out.