--- title: "Swiss researchers use wool blankets to slow glacier melt" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/climate/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/climate/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt" category: "Climate" area: "European Union" published: "2026-09-04T21:05:11.764Z" source_reported: "2026-09-04T11:35:11.000Z" updated: "2026-09-04T22:30:24.972Z" trust_score: 50 critic_score: 61 hype_score: 41 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-04T15:26:50.743Z" --- # Swiss researchers use wool blankets to slow glacier melt *Biodegradable covers show initial promise as an alternative to plastic tarpaulins.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 50 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to a named body, and two independent outlets covered the story. - Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. The story explains why it matters and names those affected or responsible. - Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. The headline promises a significant improvement based on a seemingly crazy idea. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Researchers in Switzerland are experimenting with wool blankets to slow the melting of Alpine glaciers. - The project, named 'Keep it Wool', is a collaboration between the University of Lausanne and the Summit Foundation. - Wool blankets are being tested as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic tarpaulins, which can release microplastics. - Initial findings indicate the wool covers are as effective as synthetic ones in reducing ice melt. Scientists in Switzerland are trialling the use of wool blankets to reduce the melting of Alpine glaciers. The initiative, known as 'Keep it Wool', involves the University of Lausanne and the Summit Foundation. This project aims to find a biodegradable alternative to synthetic tarpaulins, which have been used previously but release microplastics into the environment. The wool used in the experiment is of low quality and would typically be discarded. Researchers have applied these wool blankets to a section of the Transfle-ron glacier in western Switzerland. Initial results from the summer trials suggest that the wool blankets were as effective as conventional synthetic covers in limiting ice melt. Researchers involved in the project have stressed that the wool blankets are not a solution to climate change itself. The experiment is focused on mitigating local ice loss. ## Coverage comparison The left-rated report from in.gr detailed the 'Keep it Wool' project, including its origins and the materials used. It explained that researchers are using low-quality wool as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic tarpaulins, which release microplastics. The report noted that initial results showed the wool blankets were as effective as synthetic covers in reducing ice melt. It quoted project lead Timothée Steiner, who told Reuters that the team wanted to explore a biodegradable option and utilise Swiss wool, of which 40-70% is discarded annually. The report also included comments from Fisolan's Niklaus Siegeser, who expressed surprise at the material's durability, and student Eliott Gaffiot, who stated the team was unsure what to expect but that it "worked incredibly well". ## What the coverage left out None of the reports below mention the specific area covered by the wool blankets, stated as 200 square metres in the in.gr report. The unrated digest from Heti Világgazdaság did not specify the names of the institutions involved in the project, only that "Swiss researchers" were experimenting. ## Who covered it Shares of the 16 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 31% (5) - Centre: 50% (8) - Right: 19% (3) 20 of 36 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-04T15:26:50.743Z. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 2 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-04T22:30:24.972Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - The left‑rated outlets led on a Swiss experiment that spreads sheep’s wool blankets over a glacier to slow melt caused by rising temperatures. in.gr’s full report, Hot News, SWI swissinfo.ch, Sözcü and Zeit Online all noted that the method replaces synthetic covers with a biodegradable material and that the test took place on the Tsanfleuron Glacier in the Alps. - The in.gr article identified the project as “Keep it Wool”, involved the University of Lausanne and the Summit Foundation, and said low‑quality wool destined for waste was turned into 200 m² of cover. It quoted project leader Timote Steiner, a Fisolan representative and a student, all of whom said the wool performed as well as the synthetic alternative. - The digests from Hot News, SWI swissinfo.ch, Sözcü and Zeit Online omitted the project name, the university and foundation partners, the quoted statements and the detail that the wool was low‑quality material repurposed from waste. They also did not mention the measurement schedule or the disclaimer that the blankets are not a climate‑change solution. ### Centre - The centre-rated outlets reported on a Swiss experiment using sheep's wool to slow glacier melt. They noted that researchers are testing wool blankets as a biodegradable alternative to plastic tarpaulins, which are typically used to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. - Reports stated that the project, called "Keep It Wool," is being led by the Summit Foundation and the University of Lausanne. Early results from prototype blankets placed on the Tsanfleuron Glacier showed they limited melting as effectively as synthetic covers. - Several outlets quoted project manager Timothee Steiner, who said the team wanted to find a use for discarded Swiss wool. Others mentioned Niklaus Saegesser, who expressed surprise at the material's durability, and student Elliot Gaffiot, who said the test worked well. ### Right No separate framing summary. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 3 - high: 10 - unknown: 20 - veryHigh: 3 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Aleph News](https://alephnews.ro/guvern/lana-de-oaie-noua-arma-impotriva-topirii-ghetarilor-experimentul-surprinzator-al-elvetienilor) — The Sheep's Wool, the New Weapon Against the Melting of the Glaciers? The Surprising Experiment of the Swiss - [parapolitika.gr](https://parapolitika.gr/zoi/article/1786195/pos-oi-mallines-kouvertes-prostateuoun-tous-pagetones-ton-alpeon-apo-tin-uperthermansi) — How Wool Blankets Protect Alpine Glaciers From Overheating - [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/09/04/in-science/perivallon-b-science/mallines-kouvertes-kratoun-drosero-pagetona-ton-alpeon-kathos-i-thermokrasia-anevainei) — Wool Blankets Keep Alpine Glacier Cool as Temperatures Rise - [Heti Világgazdaság](https://hvg.hu/tudomany/20260904_svajci-kutatok-gyapjutakaro-gleccserolvadas-lassitasa-kutatas) — 70% Improvement in What Seems Crazy Idea: Save Melting Glaciers with a Fleece Blanket - [Blick](https://blick.ch/schweiz/schafwolle-statt-plastikplanen-jetzt-sollen-schafe-die-schweizer-gletscher-retten-id22232550.html) — Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic: Fight Against Glacier Melt - [antena3.ro](https://antena3.ro/life/stiinta/reuters-pot-oile-sa-salveze-ghetarii-cercetatorii-elvetieni-fac-un-experiment-neobisnuit-cu-lana-801992.html) — Reuters: Can Sheep Save the Glaciers? Swiss Researchers Make an Unusual Experiment with Wool - [Digi 24](https://digi24.ro/stiri/sci-tech/natura-si-mediu/cum-pot-ajuta-oile-la-stoparea-topirii-ghetarilor-din-alpi-proiectul-unor-studenti-elvetieni-3934181) — How Sheep Can Stop Melting Ice in the Alps: the Project of Swiss Students - [g4food.ro](https://g4food.ro/lana-de-oaie-arma-ecologica-a-elvetiei-impotriva-topirii-ghetarilor-experiment-de-succes-in-alpi) — Sheep Wool, Switzerland's Ecological Weapon Against Melting Ice - [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2627291/can-sheep-save-the-glaciers-swiss-scientists-put-wool-to-the-test) — Can sheep save the glaciers? Swiss scientists put wool to the test - [Portfolio](https://portfolio.hu/global/20260903/meglepo-eredmenyt-hozott-a-kiserlet-kulonos-modszerrel-mentenek-a-jegtakarot-az-europai-kutatok-860336) — The Experiment Yielded Surprising Results: European Researchers Would Save the Ice Sheet with a Special Method - [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/article/can-sheep-save-the-glaciers-swiss-scientists-put-wool-to-the-test) — Can sheep save the glaciers? Swiss scientists put wool to the test - [Sözcü](https://sozcu.com.tr/buzullarin-uzerine-koyun-yunu-sermeye-basladilar-p355152) — They Started Spreading Sheep's Wool on the Glaciers - Sözcü Newspaper - [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/ghetarii-din-alpi-protejati-cu-lana-de-oaie-experimentul-care-surprinde-cercetatorii-23801258) — The Glaciers of the Alps, Protected with Sheep's Wool. The Experiment that Surprises Researchers - [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/cercetatori-din-elvetia-fac-un-experiment-neobisnuit-in-muntii-alpi-a-functionat-incredibil-2340311) — Researchers in Switzerland Are Doing an Unusual Experiment in the Alps: "It Worked Amazingly - HotNews.ro - [vijesti.me](https://vijesti.me/svijet/evropa/824992/mogu-li-ovce-spasiti-glecere-svajcarski-naucnici-testiraju-vunu) — Can Sheep Save the Glaciers? Swiss Scientists Are Testing Wool - [Emirates24|7](https://emirates247.com/world/can-sheep-save-the-glaciers-swiss-scientists-put-wool-to-the-test/5201) — Can sheep save the glaciers? Swiss scientists put wool to the test - [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/03/can-sheep-save-the-glaciers-swiss-scientists-put-wool-to-the-test) — Can sheep save the glaciers? Swiss scientists put wool to the test - [Reuters](https://reuters.com/sustainability/cop/can-sheep-save-glaciers-swiss-scientists-put-wool-test-2026-09-03) — Can sheep save the glaciers? Swiss scientists put wool to the test - [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/environment/swiss-ngo-tests-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt/4045622) — Swiss NGO tests wool blankets to slow glacier melt - [mainwelle.de](https://mainwelle.de/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-2411157) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [RN](https://ruhrnachrichten.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-w1242824-2002209668) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [bbv-net.de](https://bbv-net.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-w1242824-6000618888) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/deutschland-welt/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-gletscherschutz-id5488606.html) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [nordbayern.de](https://nordbayern.de/schlagzeilen/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-1.15263598) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [Badische Neueste Nachrichten](https://bnn.de/nachrichten/deutschland-und-welt/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/klimawandel-test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz/100251582.html) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [Zeit Online](https://zeit.de/news/2026-09/02/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [aachener-zeitung.de](https://aachener-zeitung.de/panorama/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz/160878908.html) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [geo](https://geo.de/wissen/klimawandel--test--schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-38198050.html) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [inFranken.de](https://infranken.de/ueberregional/newsticker-national/panorama/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-art-6392870) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [noz.de](https://noz.de/deutschland-welt/panorama/artikel/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz-51323615) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [wiwo.de](https://wiwo.de/technologie/forschung/klimawandel-test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz/100251579.html) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz_aid-154143751) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/nachrichten/wissenschaft/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz_aid-154143725) — Climate Change: Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [wz.de](https://wz.de/panorama/test-schafswolle-statt-plastik-als-gletscherschutz_aid-154143739) — Test: Sheep Wool Instead of Plastic as Glacier Protection - [SWI swissinfo.ch](https://swissinfo.ch/eng/climate-adaptation/ngo-plans-to-protect-glaciers-with-woollen-blankets/91993805) — Swiss NGO uses woollen blankets to reduce glacier melt ## Questions **What is the 'Keep it Wool' project?** The 'Keep it Wool' project is an initiative by researchers in Switzerland, involving the University of Lausanne and the Summit Foundation. They are experimenting with using wool blankets to slow the melting of Alpine glaciers as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic covers. **Why are researchers using wool blankets on glaciers?** Researchers are using wool blankets as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic tarpaulins, which can release microplastics. The aim is to reduce the rate at which Alpine glaciers are melting due to rising global temperatures. **How effective are the wool blankets?** Initial results from the trials indicate that the wool blankets are as effective as traditional synthetic covers in reducing ice melt. Researchers are monitoring the performance of the wool covers compared to conventional methods. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/climate/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Swiss researchers use wool blankets to slow glacier melt", https://mediabias.news/climate/swiss-researchers-use-wool-blankets-to-slow-glacier-melt