Scientists in Switzerland have tested a new method to prevent glaciers from melting in summer: sheep wool.
What was the problem?
Glacier ice melts rapidly in summer. Until now, plastic sheets (synthetic tarpaulins) were laid down to prevent this, which reflect sunlight and protect the ice from heat. But these plastic sheets have a problem: they gradually break down, releasing tiny microplastic particles that harm the environment.
Where did the new idea come from?
Four university students thought, why not use sheep wool instead of plastic? Every year, 40 to 70% of wool in Switzerland goes unused and is wasted. This could, on the one hand, put the wasted wool to use, and on the other, reduce plastic use.
How was the experiment conducted?
In June 2026, the Swiss company Fisolan created two wool sheets. They were laid over a 200-square-meter area of the Tsanfleuron Glacier. Throughout the summer, scientists measured every two weeks how much ice melted under these wool sheets and compared it to the old plastic sheets.
What was the result?
The results were even better than expected. The wool sheets protected the ice from melting as effectively as the plastic sheets. Even Niklaus Segesser of the wool manufacturing company was surprised because he suspected the wool wouldn't be as strong. But the experiment was a success.
Is this a complete solution?
No. Currently, such sheets are laid over only 0.02% of Switzerland's glacier area. This saves about 300,000 cubic meters of ice annually, while about 1 billion cubic meters of ice melts each year. Therefore, scientists clearly state that the real and lasting solution is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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